最新美国发明专利
Document Document Title
US08635414B2 System and method for allocating memory resources
System and method for allocating memory resources are disclosed. The system utilizes a bus system coupled to a plurality of requestors and a plurality of memory systems coupled to the bus system. Each memory system includes a memory component and a memory management module including a value that represents access rights to the memory component. The memory management module is configured to receive an access request from a first requestor of the plurality of requestors and to grant access to the memory component only if the value indicates that the first requestor has access rights to the memory component. The memory management module is configurable to change the value to give the access rights to the memory component to a second requestor of the plurality of requestors.
US08635412B1 Inter-processor communication
A multi-processor system is disclosed comprising a first processor, a first memory coupled to the first processor, a second processor, and a shared memory subsystem including a shared memory and a data transfer unit. The first processor is configured to build a data structure in the first memory and to send a direct memory access (DMA) transfer request to the data transfer unit of the shared memory subsystem, the DMA transfer request including an address of the data structure in the first memory. The data transfer unit is configured to retrieve the data structure from the first memory based on the DMA transfer request, to store the data structure in the shared memory, and to send a shared memory pointer to the second processor indicating an address of the data structure in the shared memory.
US08635410B1 System and method for removing data from processor caches in a distributed multi-processor computer system
A processor interface (24) receives a flush request from a processor (700) and performs a snoop operation to determine whether the data is maintained in a one of the local processors (700) and whether the data has been modified. If the data is maintained locally and it has been modified, an identified local processor (700) receives the flush request from the processor interface (24) and initiates a writeback to a memory directory interface unit (24). If the data is not maintained locally or has not been modified, the processor interface (24) forwards the flush request to the memory directory interface unit (22). Memory directory interface unit (22) determines which remote processors within the system (10) have a copy of the data and forwards the flush request only to those identified processors.
US08635407B2 Direct memory address for solid-state drives
A storage device is provided for direct memory access. A controller of the storage device performs a mapping of a window of memory addresses to a logical block addressing (LBA) range of the storage device. Responsive to receiving from a host a write request specifying a write address within the window of memory addresses, the controller initializes a first memory buffer in the storage device and associates the first memory buffer with a first address range within the window of memory addresses such that the write address of the request is within the first address range. The controller writes to the first memory buffer based on the write address. Responsive to the buffer being full, the controller persists contents of the first memory buffer to the storage device using logical block addressing based on the mapping.
US08635406B2 Data processing apparatus and method for providing target address information for branch instructions
A data processing apparatus and method have a processor for executing instructions, and a prefetch unit for prefetching instructions from memory prior to sending those instructions to the processor for execution. A branch target cache structure has a plurality of entries, where the cache structure comprises an initial branch target cache having a first number of entries and a promoted entry branch target cache having a second number of entries. During lookup operation, both the initial entry branch target cache and the promoted entry branch target cache are accessed in parallel. For a branch instruction executed by the processor that does not currently have a corresponding entry in the branch target cache structure, allocation circuitry performs an initial allocation operation to allocate one of the entries in the initial entry branch target cache for storing the branch instruction information for that branch instruction.
US08635403B2 Flash memory card-based storage devices with changeable capacity
A reconfigurable type of flash memory-based storage device is disclosed. The flash memory-based storage device provides a plurality of mechanisms to accommodate a number of flash memory cards. As the storage capacity of the flash memory cards is increased over the time, so does the flash memory-based storage device by replacing only the flash memory cards.
US08635402B2 Storage system and storage access method and program
A system has a data structure in which a value can be obtained from a key. In a write access, a first pair and a second pair are stored respectively in a volatile storage device. The first pair is saved in a nonvolatile storage device before returning a response, and the second pair is saved in the first storage device at any time with the second pair saved in the volatile storage device. In a read access in which a value is obtained from a key, it is determined that data is not stored normally if the second pair is not found in processing in which after obtaining the hash value of the value from the first pair, the second pair is read.
US08635397B2 Data writing method and system
A data writing method for writing data to a flash memory includes writing an initial value to the data storage area, determining whether or not the writing of the initial value is performed normally based on a write flag, writing data to the data storage area when the writing is performed normally, and erasing a block including the data storage area when the writing is not performed normally. An initial value is written to the data storage area before writing data, so that whether or not an error correction code storage area contains the initial value may be confirmed. An erase operation of the block is performed only when the error correction code storage area does not contain the initial value, so that the number of times of erasure of the block may be reduced and the life of the product may be increased.
US08635396B2 Method for symmetric live migration of virtual machines
A method is provided for symmetric live migration of virtual machines. According to the method, a first least recently used map is generated for a set of memory pages of a first virtual machine. The first least recently used map includes metadata including memory page physical address location information. A first memory page of the first virtual machine and the metadata for the first memory page is sent from the first virtual machine to a second virtual machine while the first virtual machine is executing. A first memory page and meta data associated therewith of the second virtual machine is received from the second virtual machine. The memory pages of the first virtual machine are ordered from a first location of the first least recently used map to a last location of the first least recently used map based on how recently each of the memory pages of the first virtual machine has been used.
US08635395B2 Method of suspending and resuming virtual machines
A virtual machine is suspended and quickly restarted while maintaining the VM's state. The method is quick enough so that network connections are maintained across the restart and the guest operating system and guest applications running in the VM are not aware of the restart. As a result, users and clients connected to the VM do not notice any downtime or disruption to the VM. After suspension and before the restart, VM configuration changes that would not be possible or be very difficult through code changes alone while the VM was running can be made.
US08635394B2 Method, an interface for volatile and non-volatile memory devices as well as a related computer program product, and a device
Accessing data stored in a memory device through an interface, with addressing data on the memory device through at least one address bus, controlling at least data flow to and from the memory device through at least one command bus, and transferring data to and from the memory through at least one data bus wherein commands on the command bus are adjusted depending on the type of memory connected to the interface.
US08635391B2 Systems and methods for eliminating single points of failure for storage subsystems
Systems and methods directed to preventing a single point of failure by utilizing N_Port ID Virtualization (NPIV). During some procedures used by storage subsystems, such as migration, there is oftentimes only a single path from a host to a storage subsystem, which causes a potential single point of failure for the entire system. By utilizing NPIV, this problem may be mitigated.
US08635390B2 System and method for a hierarchical buffer system for a shared data bus
The present invention provides a system and method for controlling data entries in a hierarchical buffer system. The system includes an integrated circuit device comprising: a memory core, a shared data bus, and a plurality of 1st tier buffers that receive data from the memory. The system further includes a 2nd tier transfer buffer that delivers the data onto the shared data bus with pre-determined timing. The present invention can also be viewed as providing methods for controlling moving data entries in a hierarchical buffer system. The method includes managing the buffers to allow data to flow from a plurality of 1st tier buffers through a 2nd tier transfer buffer, and delivering the data onto a shared data bus with pre-determined timing.
US08635385B2 Mechanism to handle peripheral page faults
A page service request is received from a peripheral device requesting that a memory page be loaded into system memory. Page service request information corresponding to the received page service request is written as a queue entry into a queue structure in system memory. The processor is notified that the page request is present in the queue. The processor may be notified with an interrupt of a new queue entry. The processor processes the page service request and the peripheral device is notified of the completion of the processing of the request.
US08635383B2 Process to generate various length parameters in a number of SGLS based upon the length fields of another SGL
A method of generating length parameters, comprising the steps of reading a data stream from a host, detecting a particular field of the data stream, and calculating a variable based on a length parameter of a first list to be transferred. The data stream may comprise a plurality of definitions. The method may also comprise the step of selecting one of the list definitions. One of the list definitions may be used to generate a length parameter used in a second list in response to (i) the particular field of the data stream and (ii) the length parameter of the first list.
US08635380B2 Method, system and apparatus for handling events for partitions in a socket with sub-socket partitioning
In one aspect, the issues of events that may impact one or more partitions of sub-socket partitioning in one or more sockets can be handled. Specifically, events for partitions can be handled in a socket with sub-socket partitioning, wherein the events may include reset, interrupts, errors and reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS) management.
US08635377B2 Enhancements to data-driven media management within an electronic device
A centralized resource manager manages the routing of audio or visual information within a device, including a handheld device such as a smartphone. The resource manager evaluates data-driven policies to determine how to route audio or visual information to or from various input or output components connected to the device, including headphones, built-in speakers, microphones, bluetooth headsets, cameras, and so on. Among the data considered in the policies are connection status data, indicating if a device is connected, routing status data, indicating if a device is permitted to route information to or from a component, and grouping data, indicating logical relationships between various components. Components may be considered inherently routable, automatically routable, or optionally routable. Numerous other uses exist for such data, including providing simpler and more logical management interfaces.
US08635376B2 Computer system input/output management
The collection of performance data at multiple servers in a SAN and forwarding that data to a centralized server for analysis is disclosed. Remote agents and a central server application collect specific interesting negative event data to enable a picture of the operational health of the SAN to be determined. The agents are placed in servers having HBAs acting as initiators. The agents interact with the HBAs through a driver stack to collect event data. Because of the initiator function they perform, HBAs have visibility to parts of the network that other entities do not have access to, and thus are ideal locations for gathering event data. A SAN diagnostics manager then pulls the collected data from each agent so that a “picture” of the SAN can be developed. In addition to collecting initiator data, the agents also collect errors and performance data from the OS of the servers.
US08635375B2 Remote F—ports
Disclosed techniques allow for devices of a SAN to login to an F_port of a different switch than the switch to which the device is physically connected. These techniques allow moving some of the capability from an edge switch to another switch in the fabric, with the edge switch transporting incoming frames from the device to the other switch and thence across the SAN to the destination device, and similarly transporting outgoing frames from the more-capable switch to the edge switch for delivery to the device connected to the edge switch. In some embodiments, the edge switch may determine the other switch to which the device should login based on properties of the other switch.
US08635374B1 Automatic media converter
An apparatus, method, and computer-readable media for controlling the link status of first and second data communication channels. The apparatus comprises a first physical layer device coupled to the first channel, the first physical layer device comprising a first register storing a first link status bit that indicates the link status of the first channel; and a second physical layer device coupled to the second channel, the second physical layer device comprising a second register storing a second link status bit that indicates the link status of the second channel; wherein the first and second physical layer devices are configured to pass data between the first and second channels; and a processor to (a) determine the link to status of the first channel; (b) when the link status of the first channel determined at (a) is link up, determine the link status of the second channel; and (c) when the link status of the second channel determined at (b) is link down, automatically force the link status of the first channel to link down.
US08635372B2 Method and apparatus for updating applications on a mobile device via device synchronization
A method and system for the delivery of updated web platform applications to a mobile electronic device upon synchronization of the mobile device with a computer. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention discloses a method and system for dynamically creating personalized and up-to-date applications whenever a mobile electronic device is synchronized with a stand-alone computer system that is coupled to remotely located content servers or computers via a communication network, such as the Internet. Conduits act as gateways for synchronization between the mobile electronic device and the plurality of content servers or computers. These conduits coordinate the loading of the personalized and up-to-date applications onto the mobile electronic device. In one example, a user can then access up-to-date information on the applications at a more convenient time and while disconnected from the content servers or computers that provide the information.
US08635367B2 Systems and methods for managing static proximity in multi-core GSLB appliance
The present invention is directed towards systems and methods for providing static proximity load balancing via a multi-core intermediary device. An intermediary device providing global server load balancing identifies a size of a location database comprising static proximity information. The intermediary device stores the location database to an external storage of the intermediary device responsive to determining the size of the location database is greater than a predetermined threshold. A first packet processing engine on the device receives a domain name service request for a first location, determines that proximity information for the first location is not stored in a first memory cache, transmits a request to a second packet processing engine for proximity information of the first location, and transmits a request to the external storage for proximity information of the first location responsive to the second packet processing engine not having the proximity information.
US08635364B2 Apparatus control system and apparatus control method
An apparatus control system comprises a first and a second device located on a network, and a PC for transmitting a remote manipulation instruction to the first device. The first device executes a corresponding operation in accordance with the remote manipulation instruction from the PC, and redirects the remote manipulation instruction from the PC to the other device on the network. The second device executes a corresponding operation in accordance with the remote manipulation instruction redirected by the first device.
US08635360B2 Media playback point seeking using data range requests
Techniques are described for downloading user-selected segments of media objects. As described herein, a user may demand that a client device present a segment of a media object when the client device has not yet downloaded the data that represents the partial segment of the media object. The client device may then output two separate requests to a server that hosts the media object. The first request specifies a resource identifier of the media object and a first data range. Data in the first range specifies a format of data of the media object. The second request specifies the resource identifier of the media object and a second data range. Data in the second range represents the requested partial segment of the media object. When the client device receives the data, the client device uses the data in the first range to present the data in the second range.
US08635355B2 Method for pre-caching content to enable true VOD systems from NVOD or stream limited VOD systems
Content that is delivered nearly on-demand, in overlapping streams that start in staggered intervals on different channels, is played on-demand for the user using a storage system in conjunction with the receiver. A portion of the content corresponding to the staggering interval of the various streams is pre-cached and employed for playback when the user initiates on-demand playback. Content from the most-recently-started stream at the time of playback initiation is then buffered, and playback switches from the pre-cached content to the buffered content at a preselected alignment point.
US08635353B2 Reception according to a data transfer protocol of data directed to any of a plurality of destination entities
A data processing system arranged for receiving over a network, according to a data transfer protocol, data directed to any of a plurality of destination identities, the data processing system comprising: data storage for storing data received over the network; and a first processing arrangement for performing processing in accordance with the data transfer protocol on received data in the data storage, for making the received data available to respective destination identities; and a response former arranged for: receiving a message requesting a response indicating the availability of received data to each of a group of destination identities; and forming such a response; wherein the system is arranged to, in dependence on receiving the said message.
US08635349B2 Method and system for managing computing resources using an electronic broker agent
A method for managing computing resources involves obtaining, by an electronic broker agent, a request to broker access to one or more computing resources, and brokering, by the electronic broker agent, access to the computing resource(s) based on the request.
US08635347B2 Apparatus and method for synchronized networks
An apparatus and method for network routing is provided. Synchronized networks are disclosed which enable fast connection set up and release in a tiered hierarchy of circuit switched nodes. Nodes in the network aggregate and disaggregate data according to a transform algorithm allowing for dynamic frame and frame segment sizing. Connections within the network are organized by paired connections performing aggregation and disaggregation according to control vectors.
US08635339B2 Cache state management on a mobile device to preserve user experience
Systems and methods for cache state management to preserve user experience with a mobile application on a mobile device while conserving resources in a wireless network are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method can include, for example, storing content from a content server as cached elements in a local cache on the mobile device and in response to receiving polling requests to contact the content server, retrieving the cached elements from the local cache to respond to the polling requests made at the mobile device, and/or using state information associated with the cached elements to provide the cached elements as responses to the polling requests such that user experience is preserved.
US08635338B2 Log collection data harvester for use in a building automation system
A building automation system (BAS) comprising a plurality of end devices, at least one communication network, and a server engine comprising a data harvester. The end devices are each associated with at least one of a space, a system, or a subsystem for at least a portion of a building or a campus. The communication network communicatively couples to at least a portion of the plurality of end devices to the server engine. In one embodiment, the server engine is adapted to dynamically implement the data harvesting capability to periodically establish communications with, to receive and store data about, end devices and to selectively control the utilization of the communication network in order to prevent overrun or data loss. Methods of handling log collection from end devices in a building automation system (BAS) based upon a distributed schedule provided by a user or a priority scheme are also disclosed.
US08635337B2 System and method of troubleshooting
Systems and methods are provided wherein raw event indicating notices from one or more regional monitoring systems are automatically combined with one or more links to troubleshooting information specific to the device and/or event which triggered the respective notice. A configuration database and associated trouble shooting database provide model identification and specific event related information for maintenance personnel.
US08635335B2 System and method for wireless network offloading
A method comprising communicating a first set of data communications over a wireless cellular connection of a wireless cellular network to or from an end user device, the first set of data communications associated with one or more service activities the end user device is capable of supporting; identifying an alternative wireless network that can be used to communicate a second set of data communications to or from the end user device; and based on electronically processing an instruction set for offloading from the wireless cellular network to the alternative wireless network, determining whether to communicate the second set of data communications to or from the end user device over the alternative wireless network or over the wireless cellular connection, wherein the instruction set for offloading comprises at least one rule that takes into account at least one state associated with the wireless cellular connection.
US08635334B2 Web transaction analysis
Individual network activities are correlated to interactions with a target web page to facilitate an analysis of the performance of the web page. This correlation is preferably performed using a combination of heuristics and rules developed to filter network activities into those activities that are likely to have been caused by the particular transaction, and those that are unlikely to be associated with that transaction. The activities that are identified as being associated with the transaction are subsequently organized to identify a time-flow of these activities within the transaction, from which performance statistics can be determined and presented to a user. Because the individual activities within the transaction are identified and time-ordered, an analysis of the effects of each activity on the overall performance of the web page can be performed to identify potential problem areas, or to diagnose reported problems.
US08635332B2 System and method for identifying real users behind application servers
The present invention provides a monitoring device and method for identifying the identity of users requesting database accesses. The data request from application servers to an application server are monitored and parsed. The SQL statements associated with the data request from the application server are also monitored and parsed, so are the SQL responses from the database server. The SQL responses are sent back to the user as data responses. The data responses are also monitored and parsed. The monitoring device matches the parsed data request with the parsed SQL statements, the parsed SQL responses, and the parsed data responses. By matching the string portion of these parsed data, the monitoring device can then identity the identity of the user making such data base quest.
US08635331B2 Distributed workflow framework
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to workflows. In aspects, an activity of a workflow may request data and provide a logical handle. In response, distributed workflow components use the logical handle to determine whether the requested data is available locally or remotely. If the data is available remotely, the components may obtain the data for the requesting entity. In the process of obtaining the data, the data may be serialized and deserialized. After the data is available locally, it is provided to the requesting entity.
US08635329B2 Method and system of remote diagnostic, control and information collection using multiple formats and multiple protocols with delegating protocol processor
A system, method and program product for diagnosing, controlling and collecting information from devices. Information regarding events of each one of a plurality of target applications executing in an application unit is collected and formatted into one of multiple data formats for transmission through one of multiple communication protocols at the request of each of the target applications, through an interface. The event information for a particular target application is formatted and transmitted according to a combination of a data format and communication protocol requested by the target application. The transmission of data representing the event information is handled in at least two levels of software classes, with at least one abstract software class having a declared virtual function and two or more software classes derived from the at least one abstract class and having definitions of the function for communicating the event information through specified communication protocols. The formatted data is transmitted through, e.g., e-mail or FTP to a predetermined destination or may be saved to local storage, e.g., a local disk. By sharing resources, code duplication is reduced or eliminated.
US08635327B1 Web advertising method
Link traversals leading from an advertisement on the Web to a product page are determined. The determined link traversals are used as a basis for charging for advertising, for example, by counting the number of link traversals from the advertising page to a product page, or by counting the number of sales resulting from such traversals. The effectiveness of advertising on the Web is evaluated by measuring the number of sales or transactions resulting from link traversals from the advertisement to the page.
US08635323B2 Parallel computer system, job server, job scheduling method and job scheduling program
A parallel computer system comprising a node group having numbers of nodes connected by a network, in which a job scheduler of a job server that schedules jobs to be executed by a node of the node group comprises a temperature calculating unit which with a node being used of the node group as an imaginary heat source and with the assumption that a quantity of heat is conducted from the heat source to a surrounding node, calculates a temperature of a surrounding free node based on a distance from the heat source, a free region extracting unit which selects, from a plurality of temperature groups obtained by grouping free nodes on a certain temperature range basis, a temperature group meeting the number of free nodes required by a job according to a temperature and takes out a lowest temperature free node from the selected temperature group as a center node, and a node selecting unit which sequentially selects the necessary number of free nodes starting with a shortest distance free node centered around the center node.
US08635318B1 Message broadcast protocol which handles configuration changes in a cluster of virtual servers
A cluster of virtual servers includes a plurality of physical nodes, where each physical node executes virtualization software which implements a virtualization environment in which one or more virtual server machines execute. The virtualization software executed by each physical node may enable the virtualization environment implemented by the physical node to be dynamically changed. Some types of configuration changes to the virtualization environment may take a significant amount of time to perform, e.g., several seconds or longer. While the configuration change is taking place, the physical node may be unable to respond to messages sent by other physical nodes in the cluster of virtual servers. The nodes may execute message broadcast software which implements a message broadcast protocol which takes into account the dynamic configuration changes to the virtualization environments of the nodes in the cluster of virtual servers so that these periods of unresponsiveness can be handled gracefully.
US08635317B2 Method and apparatus for providing uniform content management
An approach is provided for providing uniform content management for a user equipment. A uniform content management platform determines new content from a plurality of content of different categories. The uniform content management platform further initiates presentation of the new content via a graphical user interface that includes: a dashboard providing a layout of the new content, a content manager that is invoked upon selection of a particular one of the new content for managing a group of content of a common category, and a content editor that is invoked upon selection of one of the content in the group for editing the selected content.
US08635314B2 Use of IPv6 in access networks
An apparatus may include a port to receive a ranging request from a cable modem and a processor in communication with the port. The processor may assign a service identifier to the cable modem, match the service identifier with a link layer address of the cable modem, receive a router advertisement and comparing the source link layer address from the router advertisement to the link layer address of the cable modem, and determine if the link layer address of the cable modem is the same as the source link layer address.
US08635311B2 Method and systems for generating and sending a hot link associated with a user interface to a device
The invention sends a hot link to a device. The device may be on a wireless network, a wired network, or directly coupled to the device sending the hot link. The hot link contains an associated action that is performed by the device receiving the hot link. The associated action may be performed when a user interface is activated or automatically when the hot link is received by the device. The action can be a broadcast action, Internet action, call action, download action, or upload action. The broadcast action instructs the device to tune to a particular broadcast in response to the selection of the user interface. The internet action instructs the device to access an Internet site in response to the selection of the user interface. The call action instructs the device to call a telephone number in response to the selection of use interface.
US08635310B2 Business process utilizing systems, devices and methods engendering cooperation among service providers to maximize end user satisfaction
Methods, systems, and devices for providing a plurality of services to premises over one or more communication networks and providing one or more advertisements over a plurality of service virtual networks as well as business process associated such methods, systems, and devices are disclosed. Systems and devices may include a primary server, one or more secure access nodes and a secondary server that supports one or more services to one or more end point devices. Business process associated with such services may include revenue sharing for providing such services as well as commissions and transactions fees. Particular service may also include providing cross-service functional data, targeted advertising and targeted e-commerce services.
US08635304B2 System and method for using resources of a computer system in conjunction with a thin media client
A computer system including a processor and a memory for retrieving digital media content, storing the digital media content in the memory, and providing the digital media content to a thin media client is provided.
US08635302B2 Systems and methods for outputting updated media
In certain embodiments, a device for outputting updated messages a determinate number of times is provided. The device may comprise an output, an input, one or more processors, a memory, code stored in the memory and executed by the processor, wherein at least one message is received from time to time by the device through the input, and wherein the code selects if and when the at least one message is to be provided on the device via the output a determinate number of times. The operation of the enabled device can allow the message to be delivered to the user as the result of some action in regards to enabled device usage.
US08635293B2 Asynchronous video threads
Described are systems and user interfaces for facilitating asynchronous communication with video threads. Implementations may enable members of a team to have threaded view of video messages, from which they can capture video, record their screen, and send, receive, and reply to a video message. The screen recording feature enables team members to share parts of their screen while simultaneously narrating, if desired. Video messages are threaded by topic and each conversation is visually represented.
US08635289B2 Adaptive electronic message scanning
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for adaptive electronic message scanning. Embodiments of the invention relate to dynamically (and potentially unpredictably) varying the depth/thoroughness of classifying electronic messages to protect against undesirable message content (e.g., SPAM, viruses, digital leakage, etc.). A minimum effectiveness is maintained and, when available resources permit, can be exceeded to provide increased protection. An optimal subset of available message classification rules can be selected on a per message basis. The selection of rules is based on available system resources, minimum desired effectiveness (e.g., defined in a Service Level Agreement (“SLA”)), and rule characteristics. Feedback loops can be used to optimize selected classification rule subsets.
US08635285B2 Email categorization methods, coding, and tools
An electronic mail management system is operable to receive electronic mail message components from a user. Prior to sending of the email message, a plurality of predetermined categories for classifying the electronic message are presented to the user. The email system receives a user selection from the predetermined categories. A determination is made as to whether or not the email recipient is a member of a predetermined class of recipients. The electronic mail is then sent to the recipient. The user selection is embedded within the email message if the recipient is a member of the predetermined class of recipients. Finally, the email is stored in a manner dependent upon the user selection. Similarly, the email management server may also be operable to categorize received email messages. Further, email messages may be selected or programmed to automatically be deleted upon certain events.
US08635282B2 Computer—automated system and method of assessing the orientation, awareness and responses of a person with reduced capacity
A system and method for scheduling, and reminding people receiving care (PRC) about upcoming events uses a remote computer-based interface that allows a Caregiver at a remote location to schedule the events for the PRC. The PRC has in their residence (or other location) a device that prompts the PRC, by an audio and/or video prompt, so as to “nudge” the PRC, asking whether they intend to participate in a pre-scheduled event. A man-machine interface, such as a two input keypad containing one button labeled “yes” and another button labeled “no”, the remote Caregiver is able to monitor the responses of the electronic “nudges” offered by the system to the PRC. In turn, the device used by the remote Caregiver accumulates the responses and creates a history of the level of activity the person has indicated in which they wish to participate.
US08635281B2 System and method for attentive clustering and analytics
Attentive clustering includes constructing an online author network, wherein constructing includes selecting a set of source nodes (S), a set of outlink targets (T) from a selected type or types of hyperlinks, and a set of edges (E) between S and T defined by the selected hyperlinks, constructing a matrix of source nodes in S linked to targets in T′, wherein T′ is derived by normalizing nodes in T, and partitioning the network into at least one set of source nodes with a similar linking history to form an attentive cluster and at least one set of outlink targets with a similar citation profile to form an outlink bundle. Attentive clustering may further include applying any lists specifying inclusion or exclusion of particular nodes. Frequencies of links between attentive clusters and outlink bundles may be measured and analyzed.
US08635276B2 System and network terminal for IP communications
A network terminal is capable of running a plurality of user environments in parallel and is connected to an interface device. The network terminal includes a plurality of communication units, a plurality of collaborating units, and a monitoring unit. The plurality of communication units are provided in one to one correspondence with a plurality of user environments. Each communication unit is configured to implement an Internet Protocol telephone call in the corresponding user environment. The plurality of collaborating units are provided in one to one correspondence with the plurality of communication units. Each collaborating unit is configured to perform a collaborative control on the corresponding communication unit and the interface device to thereby establish communications between the interface device and the corresponding communication unit. The monitoring unit monitors whether any of the collaborating units is performing the collaborative control. One of the plurality of collaborating units performs the collaborative control when the subject collaborating unit receives: notification from the monitoring unit indicating that none of the plurality of collaborating units is performing a collaborative control; and notification from the interface device specifying the subject collaborating unit as a specified collaborating unit to perform the collaborating control.
US08635272B2 Method for distributing a list of updated content to a user station from a distribution server wherein the user station may defer installing the update
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions that, in response to being executed by a computing device, cause the computing device to perform operations including upon occurrence of a scheduled time, polling an update distribution server to determine that an update for a computer executable software application is available, the computer executable software application configured to operate on the computing device and in response to determining that the update is available, obtaining the update over the Internet from the update distribution server, and selecting whether to install the update at a first time or to defer installing the update until a second time that is later than the first time.
US08635268B1 Content notification
Disclosed are various embodiments of systems and methods for content notification. For example, in some embodiments, a method includes the step of storing a network page in a memory in a client computing device. The network page includes a list of item representations associated with a plurality of items. Each item representation is associated with a respective one of the items. The method further includes the step of rendering the network page using the client computing device. The network page includes a content notification component in a visible portion, and the content notification component is visible in a viewport. The content notification component provides notification to a user of at least one non-visible portion of the network page.
US08635267B2 Systems and methods for generating user entertainment activity profiles
Systems and methods for tracking a user's lifestyle and activity profile. This profile can be automatically updated in real time. User activity on a site is tracked. User activity from third party feeds is also received. The user activity is then combined to generate the user's total profile. A pulse engine processes the feeds, updates the profiles, creates pulse alerts, routes updates to APIs or user interfaces, and/or the like.
US08635264B2 Automatic and dynamic information handling system personalization
Information handling systems personalized by addition of a physical component, such as lid having an emblem that attaches to a portable information handling system, have software associated with the physical component automatically applied by interacting with an entitlement network location. An identifier associated with the physical component is automatically read by the information handling system and sent to the entitlement network location to retrieve entitlements for the use of software at the information handling system.
US08635260B2 Random number generator incorporating channel filter coefficients
Devices and methods are disclosed for improved random number generation. In some embodiments, a device may include a plurality of registers configured to store channel filter coefficients, each of the channel filter coefficients including a plurality of bits, and a controller configured to retrieve at least one channel filter coefficient from the plurality of registers, and to generate a random number based at least in part on the at least one retrieved channel filter coefficient. The device may generate a random number at least in part based on a number of least-significant bits of the at least one retrieved channel filter coefficient.
US08635258B2 Alignment of multiple liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry runs
The problem of aligning multiple liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) runs to a common reference time frame is solved to facilitate comparison among LC-MS runs. The alignment of multiple LCMS can be achieved by solving a sparse system of linear equations to optimally stretch or compress local retention times for maximal similarity among the multiple runs. The multiple LCMS runs can be aligned simultaneously, thereby providing the advantage of efficient use of data by employing a sparse solver. A method of quality control in retention time alignment is also provided.
US08635253B2 Decorated model architecture for efficient model-driven application development
A computer-executable application is provided with access to resources generated using a principal model. A decoration model associated with the principal model is instantiated for use by the application. The application is provided with access to an object of the decoration model responsive to a request by the application to access an object of the principal model. The decoration model object corresponds to the principal model object.
US08635249B2 Federation of multi-level master data management systems
Federating multiple-level master data management systems may include a first set of master data management nodes having one or more common characteristics. A first group master data management node may be assigned to centrally manage the first set of master data management nodes, the first group master data management node maintaining master data management functionalities at a group level and providing a single logical view of master data to the first set of master data management nodes. Each master data management node in the first set has data access link with the first group master data management node based on implementation style of said each master data management node.
US08635246B1 Method to enable continuous availability of database applications during system upgrade
Methods, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for upgrading a system while keeping applications continuously available. The upgrade of such a system which consists of several database applications requires an outage for the complete system due to the fact that database objects (e.g. tables, indexes or views) are structurally adjusted or the content of database tables is changed. To overcome this limitation there is provided a method. The method comprises in setting up a temporary failover framework in the same database to allow end-user read and write access to database tables which are not changed during the upgrade outage. The database applications based on these tables are thus made continuously available.
US08635244B2 System and method for structured news release generation and distribution
A method of providing a news release to a user is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises: providing access to the user, over a network, to data stored in a computer-readable digital storage medium; and structuring the data provided to the user over the network so that the user experiences a news release having a plurality of sections, the sections including a headline, a summary, key points, and a network address.
US08635240B2 Method and system for incrementally selecting and providing relevant search engines in response to a user query
Methods and systems for incrementally selecting and providing relevant search engines in response to a user query. A method of incrementally selecting and providing relevant search engines is based in part on identifying a set of search engines associated with corresponding metadata, receiving a partial search query entered by the user of a device, inferring after each user keypress a set of potential full queries intended by the user, using the potential full queries and the search engine metadata to identify a set of relevant search engines, and for each of these search engines, providing a direct link to launch a relevant query in the search engine. The user input may be either ambiguous, or erroneous, and may be entered using an input-constrained device.
US08635239B2 Information presenting apparatus, information presenting method and computer-readable recording medium
A keyword acquiring unit transmits a keyword acquisition request to a first server serving as a keyword providing service, and receives a keyword from the first server. An information acquiring unit transmits an acquisition request of information related to the keyword to a second server serving as an information providing service, and receives the information from the second server. A cover unit presents information acquired by the information acquiring unit to a user. An input unit receives selection of at least one of information presented by the cover unit. A service acquiring unit transmits a search request based on the keyword related to information selected at the input unit to a third server serving as a search service, and acquires a search result from the third server. A socket unit presents the search result to the user.
US08635238B2 Appratus, system and method for an automated stock ledger
An inventory stock ledger system, apparatus and method including a process by which one can track inventory efficiently, but can also utilize to perform inventory analysis on a dynamic level. The method includes recording inventory snapshots across various dimensions of a retail business and tracking the inventory levels for select products in to provide real time reports. Central to the apparatus is the idea that inventory can be viewed from a central starting point, and then examined among various dimensions. Inventory management is readily modified and dynamic. The method includes a build capability for examining the inventory levels and snapshots of inventory for a retail market franchise.
US08635237B2 Customer feedback measurement in public places utilizing speech recognition technology
A method, a system and a computer program product for enabling a customer response speech recognition unit to dynamically receive customer feedback. The customer response speech recognition unit is positioned at a customer location. The speech recognition unit is automatically initialized when one or more spoken words are detected. The response statements of customers are dynamically received by the customer response speech recognition unit at the customer location, in real time. The customer response speech recognition unit determines when the one or more spoken words of the customer response statement are associated with a score in a database. An analysis of the words is performed to generate a score that reflects the evaluation of the subject by the customer. The score is dynamically updated as new evaluations are received, and the score is displayed within graphical user interface (GUI) to be viewed by one or more potential customers.
US08635236B2 Augmented list for searching large indexes
An augmented large index searching system and method for searching a database of items using a device having a limited input mechanism. Embodiments of the system and method present to a user in an augmented list view or a regular list view a list of items matching a sub-string search. The augmented list view contains a list of sub-group representations so that each sub-group is represented by an item in the sub-group most likely to be selected by the user. The user can select an item wanted by the user or refine the sub-string search by pinning a character to append the character to the sub-string and generate a revised sub-string. The above process is repeated using the revised sub-string. The list can be augmented by displaying visual features that indicate quantity and distinguish between items or characters by using coloring, highlighting, shading, size, and so forth.
US08635235B2 Method, apparatus and computer program product for providing standard real world to virtual world links
An apparatus for providing standard real world to virtual world links may include a processing element configured to receive indications of an image including an object, determine whether the object corresponds to a particular object having a predefined association based on a recognition of the object, and execute a function corresponding to the predefined association in response to the object corresponding to the particular object.
US08635230B2 Display of information in computing devices
A method, system and computer program code for managing stored contents within a computing device is provided. The method includes tracking activities performed in the computing device responsive to user inputs. The method gathers data pertaining to the activities performed within a predefined interval of time. The method then creates content filtering rules based on the gathered data and displays the contents within the computing device based on the content filtering rules.
US08635229B2 Sequenced query processing in data processing system
Techniques for constructing query operations associated with a report specification are described. The query operations may include a mixture of multidimensional operations and relational operations. The application of the query operations are sequenced with the computing device to reduce or eliminate certain complexities and ambiguities during generation of reports, thereby providing an improved experience for user. For example, any multidimensional rollup operation may be applied to the multidimensional representation of the data within a first timeframe and that any aggregation operation and second level filtering are applied within a second timeframe subsequent to the first timeframe. A report may be output based on a resultant data set produced by application of the query operation in accordance with the sequencing.
US08635222B2 Managing user ratings in a web services environment
Systems and methods for managing user ratings in a web services environment. A method includes storing a comment associated with a web service and storing an influence rating associated with an author of the comment. The method also includes transmitting information associated with the web service, the comment, and the influence rating to a user. Additionally, the method includes receiving feedback from the user, and determining an updated influence rating based upon the feedback and the influence rating.
US08635219B2 Automated browser history sorting based upon location
A location associated with a computing device is determined. Browser history information is retrieved from a storage device. The browser history information is sorted based upon the determined location. The sorted browser history information is presented to a user of the computing device.
US08635217B2 Collections of linked databases
This invention is generally directed to one or more methods or systems relating to inferential networks. This invention is further directed to methods and systems for making and using inferential networks. Still further, this invention is generally directed to making one or more inferential networks by using data generated from directed searches of collections of linked databases.
US08635215B2 Method and web platform for brokering know-how
A method for brokering of know-how in various formats between users on an electronic Web service platform includes: allowing users access to the electronic Web service platform, requesting registration data from a user on the platform, managing interest area categories, receiving user offers for know-how in at least one interest area category, enabling searches of users for know-how in at least one interest area category, calculating and displaying a rating in respect of offers in at least one interest area category, approving to a selected offer an agreed exchange of know-how and a corresponding transfer of credit points, conveying selected know-how from the provider to the consumer and booking a corresponding transfer of credit points, and accepting and storing a rating given to the provider by the consumer in respect of the transferred know-how, wherein the rating is assigned to the interest area category of the transferred know-how.
US08635207B2 Computerized system and method for assisting in resolution of litigation discovery in conjunction with the federal rules of practice and procedure and other jurisdictions
A networked data processor maintains a database of information concerning potential evidence from litigants in legal proceedings supporting stipulated discovery agreements, and requiring meet-and-confer sessions prior to seeking court supervision. Individual or adverse parties can participate. Sources include data custodians, file repositories, electronic data, witnesses, etc. Managers and employees are polled to populate a database defining the litigant's organization and evidence. The evidence may be sequestered, copied and processed, e.g., filtered for confidentiality or privilege, analyzed as to format, and queried to assess the volume of data that would be responsive under alternative discovery specifications. Cost and time are assessed under alternative specifications and reports are provided for use in negotiating a discovery plan. A stipulated discovery plan may result, or if not, a meet-and-confer session is electronically managed in a multi-user teleconference. A report of stipulated and disputed points and associated arguments can be presented to the court.
US08635205B1 Displaying local site name information with search results
The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer-implemented methods for presenting local site name information associated with search results returned from a web search query. One process includes operations for receiving a search query request from a user and obtaining at least one search result responsive to the query, where the search result is associated with a uniform resource locator (URL). A local site name associated with at least a portion of the URL is retrieved for at least one of the obtained search results. Further, at least one search result is returned to the user via a search results page, where the at least one search result comprises the URL associated with the search result and the local site name associated therewith.
US08635204B1 Mining application repositories
A system includes a database that stores attributes of applications that are descriptive of source code included in the applications and identification data that identifies the applications to which the attributes apply. The attributes are mined through a programmatic analysis of one or more repositories in which the applications are stored, and the programmatic analysis includes programmatic analysis of the source code included in the applications to derive the attributes. The system also includes a computer system configured to handle queries against the attributes of the applications stored in the database and provide output based on the handling of queries against the attributes of the applications stored in the database.
US08635203B2 Systems and methods using query patterns to disambiguate query intent
Apparatuses, methods, and systems directed to disambiguating queries. Particular embodiments can be used in connection with query analysis and query rewrite processes to determine the intent of one or more keywords contained in a query.
US08635201B2 Methods and apparatus for employing a user's location in providing information to the user
Some embodiments relate to techniques for receiving a query from a device and location data indicating a location of the device, the location data having a level of specificity; in response to the query being received, identifying at least one first search engine to which to submit a representation of the query; determining whether the level of specificity of the received location data is sufficient for the at least one first search engine; if the level of specificity of the location data is sufficient, instructing the device to issue the representation of the query to the at least one first search engine; and if the level of specificity of the location data is not sufficient, instructing the device to send, to the at least one computer, location data at a greater level of specificity.
US08635199B2 System for preparing data
A system for preparing data, operable with a server computer system having a store for a first file comprising data (e.g. audio data) and a plurality of sets of lossy data generated from the data in the first file. The system comprises a requesting component for requesting at least two sets of the plurality of sets of lossy data; a receiving component for receiving the at least two sets; and a combining component for combining the at least two sets in order to generate a second file. The data in the second file is of reduced lossiness with respect to the data in the first file.
US08635198B1 Centralized, server-less content management
A content management system (CMS) is made up of a content server that includes a metadata file stored on the content server relating to transactions performed with a work-in-progress (WIP), a first folder on the content server for storing notifications to a plurality of users in a workflow group, and a second folder on the content server for storing one or more versions of the WIP. The CMS also includes a remote filing system associated with the content server. The CMS also includes interface logic at a computer of each of the plurality of users allows the user to manipulate the WIP and polls the first folder through the remote filing system for locating the notifications. A WIP state variable is included within the metadata file that assists the control of edit access to the WIP.
US08635195B2 Index compression in a database system
A method for compressing index pages in a database system is provided. The database system includes a table, and the table includes table columns. The method includes: providing an index associated with the table, wherein the index is stored on at least one index page of the database system, and wherein the index comprises index columns related to a part of the table columns; providing a first sequence of the index columns; providing a second sequence of the index columns; arranging the index columns stored on the at least one index page according to the second sequence; performing a prefix compression on entries of the at least one index page; and accessing the index using the first sequence of the index columns.
US08635192B2 Method of automatically geotagging data
A handheld electronic device, such as a GPS-enabled wireless communications device with an embedded camera, automatically geotags a set of data, such as a digital photo, video, notes, or a blog, with a textual plain-language description of the current location. When the data is generated, the current location of the device is determined, e.g. using a GPS receiver. A textual plain-language description of the current location is then generated, e.g. by reverse geocoding the GPS position coordinates or by correlating the current time with a calendar event from which language descriptive of the event can be extracted. This textual plain-language description is automatically generated and written into a tag or metadata file associated with the photo or other set of data. By automatically geotagging data with textual plain-language descriptions that go beyond mere coordinates of latitude and longitude, data can be searched and managed more efficiently.
US08635191B2 Content manager
An archive for digital content comprises archive storage, an archive service and a manifest. The archive storage is a unified storage structure for storing items, such a directory having a plurality of subdirectories. The manifest is stored within the archive storage when the archive storage is loaded onto a storage device, and may comprise an index of items stored in the unified structure of the archive and/or an organizational structure that supports defined categories that characterize items stored in the unified structure and/or at least one backup queue that temporarily queues a list of items that satisfy predetermined backup criteria by have not been backed up. The archive service serves as an intermediate between users, e.g., operators, software modules, programs, services, etc., and the archive storage to control requests for access to items stored in the unified storage structure.
US08635190B2 Method and system for pruned resilvering using a dirty time log
A computer readable medium includes executable instructions for resilvering a hierarchical block tree in a storage pool. Resilvering the hierarchical block tree involves traversing a branch of the hierarchical block tree only if a birth time of a parent block of the branch is greater than or equal to a lowest birth time on a dirty time log (DTL). Resilvering the hierarchical block tree further involves resilvering a child block in the branch only if the DTL comprises a birth time of the child block.
US08635187B2 Method and system of performing incremental SQL server database backups
A system, method, and medium for performing incremental backups of a Microsoft SQL server database. A snapshot of the database is created, and then a map identifying the changed extents is retrieved from the snapshot. The changed extents are then retrieved from the snapshot and stored in a backup storage device. For a restore operation, a full database backup file is written to a storage device and then the changed extents from a stored incremental backup file may be merged with the full backup file. Next, the database server is notified of the reconstructed file and then the reconstructed file is mounted by the database server as a live instance of the database.
US08635183B1 Method and apparatus to computer-process data to produce, store, and disseminate output related to medical or health information
A method, apparatus, and article, illustratively as a method of using an apparatus to computer-process digital data to produce, store, and disseminate output related to medical or health information.
US08635182B2 Systems and methods for reporting a cause of an event or equipment state using causal relationship models in a building management system
A computerized method for evaluating and reporting a fault in a building management system includes receiving, at a processing circuit, multiple fault indications for different building equipment of the building management system. The method further includes displaying a single fault related to the multiple fault indications rather than reporting the multiple fault indications.
US08635181B2 System and method for tagging signals of interest in time variant data
Disclosed herein are systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer-readable storage media for tagging a known signal of interest. Initially, the system classifies the data from an input signal using a short-term classifier, wherein there are at least two classifications available, a first classification of the data as having no identified outputs and a second classification of the data as at least one potential signal of interest, wherein the short-term classifier also bypasses data that is known to be of no interest. After the short-term classifier classifies the inputs, it collapses the input data that is classified as having no identified outputs. This allows the short-term classifier to create time-variant data. Finally, the system will tag a known signal of interest in the time-variant data that was classified as having at least one potential signal of interest. Therefore, a system for tagging a known signal of interest is described.
US08635179B2 Detection of irregularity in food manufacturing by using conversion pattern
Irregular food manufacturing detection by using conversion pattern in one aspect generates one or more rules associated with amount of resources used to manufacture a food product, collects data associated with a selected manufacturing process of the food product at a selected manufacturer and determines whether the collected data complies with the generated one or more rules. Irregularity may be identified if the collected data does not comply with the generated one or more rules.
US08635178B2 Rule-based processing in different layers
In an embodiment, a method is provided for processing rules within a layer of an application. In this method, a rule defining a condition and a functionality associated with the condition is received at runtime of the layer. This functionality is provided by the layer. Using a microprocessor, a fulfillment of the condition is identified and the functionality is executed based on this identification.
US08635175B2 Managing capacities and structures in stochastic networks
A system, method and computer program product for managing capacities and structures in a stochastic network. The method includes mapping the stochastic network to a general analytic model, e.g., a Brownian model, decomposing the general analytic model of the stochastic network into a set of smaller general analytic models, determining the capacities/structures for the set of analytic models as an intermediate solution for the capacities/structures of the stochastic network; and, determining the capacities/structures for the stochastic network starting at the intermediate solution for the capacities/structures using simulation-based methods.
US08635173B2 Semantics update and adaptive interfaces in connection with information as a service
Additional semantic information that describes data sets is inferred in response to a request for data from the data sets, e.g., in response to a query over the data sets, including analyzing a subset of results extracted based on the request for data to determine the additional semantic information. The additional semantic information can be verified by the publisher as correct, or satisfy correctness probabilistically. Mapping information based on the additional semantic information can be maintained and updated as the system learns additional semantic information (e.g., information about what a given column represents and data types represented), and the form of future data requests (e.g., URL based queries) can be updated to more closely correspond to the updated additional semantic information.
US08635170B2 Adaptive business process automation
A method, system and computer software product are provided for process automation. The method includes monitoring one or more workstations to obtain multiple sets of character and graphical information including user actions, times and durations associated with the user actions, user-entered data, and retrieved character and graphical screen data. The method further includes identifying functional events from the sets, defining focal states as respective historic patterns of the functional events, and generating a set of facilitating scripts associated with respective ones of the focal states. The facilitating scripts each provide one or more automatic actions in the workstations. At least a portion of the set of facilitating scripts are then executed.
US08635165B2 Biometric authorization of an RF transaction
A method and system for biometric authorization to facilitate a radio frequency transaction is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a system and method is provided for using biometric sample and biometric sample data to authorize completion of an RF transaction. Authorization of biometric sample data may authorize increasing a preloaded value, or using an additional value to supplement the preloaded value, in order to facilitate completion of an RF transaction.
US08635163B2 System and method for facilitating a video game exchange
A system and method for facilitating the exchange of electronic video games. A video game exchange server provides interacts with a gaming device to permit a game user to buy and load a video game onto the gaming device, to play the game on the gaming device and to return the “used” game for credits that may be used to purchase a new or used game. The game exchange server assigns a price to each new game and used game in its inventory. The game exchange server also assigns a value to each game currently stored on the gaming device. The game price and the game value may decline as a function of time or based on other factors (e.g., a new release). The game exchange server also validates that a video game stored on a gaming device is authorized.
US08635156B2 Converting paper invoice to electronic form for processing of electronic payment thereof
Systems, apparatuses and methods are described for remotely processing paper invoices online. In an aspect, a method comprises receiving by a computing device, an electronic image representative of an invoice associated with a user of the device and a payee, sending the electronic image of the invoice to an online accounting system, wherein the online accounting system converts the electronic image of the invoice into an electronic form, accessing accounts associated with the user of the device, accessing the electronic form of the invoice, and authorizing payment of the invoice, including authorizing electronic transfer of money from at least one of the accounts to the payee. The method can further include receiving a list of payees, selecting the payee from the list of payees, and sending the selection of the payee to the online accounting system, wherein the online accounting system links the payee to the invoice.
US08635155B2 Systems and methods for processing a payment coupon image
Embodiments of the invention may provide systems and methods for processing a payment coupon image. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an image representing a payment coupon from a payer, determining an identity of a biller associated with the payment coupon based at least in part on information displayed by the image, and extracting data from the image based at least in part on payment coupon metadata associated with the biller indicating a layout of the payment coupon. The method may further include performing at least one of: (a) processing a payment associated with the payment coupon to the biller based at least in part on the data extracted from the image; (b) adding the biller to a list of billers for a payer associated with the payment coupon; or (c) activating the biller as an electronic biller for the payer associated with the payment coupon.
US08635152B2 Multi tenancy for single tenancy applications
A mechanism is provided for deploying software applications in a cloud computing environment. An administrator is provided an interface for allowing a software application that is designed for a single tenant to be used by a plurality of users. An aspect of the invention is to provide a mechanism for quickly and easily giving multi-user qualities to a single tenant application like autoCAD. As such, multiple users can access the application without the need to download and install a version locally on their system. The system is able to determine the period of time for which an application is in use for a given user, because every application is run on a resource that is part of the cloud environment. Therefore, it is possible for the application provider to charge for the application in a usage-based model—e.g. by the hour, or day—without any re-engineering of the existing application.
US08635151B2 Method and system for handling method level processing in connection with cardholder account processing
Methods and systems are provided for managing a financial account in which account information is maintained for the financial account on a host system. The account information includes a set of account parameter values and a specification of a base account processing strategy. An entry in a lookup table is maintained on a storage device in communication with the host system is accessed. The entry is defined by at least one of the account parameter values. An operation specified by the entry and inconsistent with operations specified by the base account processing strategy is implemented to override at least a portion of the base account processing strategy. The base account processing strategy is reverted to with the host system in response to satisfaction of a predetermined trigger condition.
US08635149B2 System and method for online trading using an electronic spreadsheet
A system and method for receiving streamed, real time quotes with respect to financial instruments. The system applies a spreadsheet based investment strategy to the real time quotes, generating electronic orders based on the results of the investment strategy analysis and transmitting the orders for real time execution. The system generates a unique order identifier that allows users to actively track the status of orders in real time. This unique order identifiers can be shared with other users so that other trading strategies can be developed to execute upon the successful execution of the order (e.g., hedging).
US08635146B2 Sports share trading system and method
The sports share trading system provides a web site in which users, using real money, trade equitable shares of athletes in a closed market. Rookie sports cards are tokens representing the shares of stock in the athletes and are traded as financial instruments via the web site. Users who buy cards, i.e., shares of stock, and keep them in the market are eligible for bonuses and guaranteed buy-backs if they choose. A Hall-of-Fame guaranteed buy back rewards users owning shares representing athletes who reach predetermined performance levels designated as “Hall of Fame Tiers”. The buy-back offers are at a predetermined, published, guaranteed price, representing a conditionally guaranteed future value of all purchases. The self-contained trading platform web site is accessible by a variety of web-enabled devices.
US08635145B2 Method, apparatus and interface for transaction toggling
A method for submitting transactions from an automated trading tool to an electronic exchange. The method includes defining a proximity limit and automatically generating a transaction for a tradeable object. The method further includes applying the proximity limit to the transaction. When the transaction falls within the defined proximity limit, the transaction is submitted to the exchange. An apparatus and interface for transaction toggling based on proximity limits are also provided.
US08635144B2 Confidential block trading system and method
Methods and systems for facilitating trading of securities, preferred methods comprising receiving a first buy or sell order from a first user; calculating a block price range; determining that said first order is reasonably priced; transmitting to a second user a notification that a reasonably priced order is present, but without notifying said second user of the side; receiving a second order from said second user, wherein said second order is a contra to said first order and nearly matches but does not cross said first order; transmitting a contra order notification to said second user after said second order is received, said contra order notification indicating that a nearly matching contra order is active; receiving a third order from said second user, said third order being a contra to said first order and crossing said first order; and executing a trade comprising said first order and said third order.
US08635143B1 Method for determining penetration opportunity of a drug into a physician market
An exemplary embodiment of one aspect of the present invention provides a method of determining a penetration opportunity of a selected drug into a physician market. The method includes correlating data on laboratory tests ordered by a physician with data on drug prescriptions ordered by the physician. The method also includes determining a penetration opportunity of a selected drug based on the correlated data.
US08635139B2 System and method for managing and evaluating network commodities purchasing
A computer-readable storage medium contains instructions that cause one or more computing devices to receive a product specification data set identifying one or more items, and price data sets that include one or more items and corresponding price data. For each price data set, metric data is obtained which includes one or more market reference prices for the items in the price data set. A market value of the items is calculated for comparison to the price data in the price data set. The instructions may also cause the one or more computing devices to compare the price data in the price data set to the calculated market value to generate a comparison value. In another embodiment, metric data is obtained for each item in a product specification data set, and a market value of each item is calculated for comparison to the price data in the price data sets.
US08635138B2 Method of analyzing a sale process for an entity
A computer-implemented method determines determine an adequacy of a process to sell an entity responsive to competition, fairness, thoroughness, and good faith. A computer evaluates a sale of an entity by rating solicitation efforts associated with potential buyers of the entity (audience), by rating information about the entity prepared for potential buyers, by rating time frames surrounding the sale (timing), by rating circumstances associated with a transfer of the entity, and by rating a negotiation and execution efforts associated with the sale of the entity. Each criteria investigated is provided a weighting factor, where the weighting factor for the audience and transfer is around 0.25, the factor for the information and negotiation and execution is around 0.20, and the weighting factor for the timing is around 0.10.
US08635133B2 System and method for relativistic statistical securities trading
A system comprising a processor configured to calculate a location for a server along a communication link between a first trading center and a second trading center based at least in part on a property of the communication link. The server may be configured to send first trade instructions for trading a first financial instrument to the first trading center and send second trade instructions for trading a second financial instrument to the second trading center.
US08635132B1 Self-service real-time financial advice
A user may obtain self-service financial planning. A comprehensive set of data pertaining to a user is gathered from various sources and analyzed to generate a financial plan. A user may be presented with various financial scenarios based on information provided by the user. The user may perform “what if” analyses to determine prospective financial plans and results based on hypothetical information that the user may provide. A user may be provided with a financial plan and the user may see how the plan changes under various risk tolerances and life event scenarios.
US08635127B1 System and method for identifying tax documents to customize preparation of a tax return
A computerized system and method for identifying tax documents to customize tax return preparation. Tax preparation software allows users to identify the tax documents relevant to a taxpayer's situation so that an appropriate tax return can be prepared. The software displays graphical representations of tax documents and allows the user to select the tax documents applicable to the taxpayer's situation by dragging and dropping them on a designated area on the computer display. Once the user has selected the appropriate tax documents, the software prompts the user for responses to data prompts that are appropriate for the taxpayer's situation according to the selected tax documents. The data prompts that are presented relate to the tax documents identified by the user and therefore, are relevant to the taxpayer's specific situation. Prompts for tax data that are not appropriate for the taxpayer's situation are not asked.
US08635126B2 Casino operations management system
A system, computer program and computer-based method for managing casino operations. The system provides for employee management and information storage and retrieval for a significant number of casino operations. The system includes an attendance controller that receives, stores and displays attendance information for casino personnel. Casino personnel are issued cards that uniquely identify them and monitor them in the fulfillment of their roles. Players may also receive these types of cards, which can be used to record their casino activity and reward them for playing. The system provides for managing financial transactions between the player and entity. Touch screen devices, resident at casino tables, may be used to request and manage the table.
US08635125B2 Automatic calculation with multiple editable fields
A simplified transaction data management system using automatic calculation with multiple editable fields is provided. The system enables a user to manage transactions with a simplified interface, with multiple editable fields and automatic calculation of other fields based on mathematical relations with inputs that are received in any of the other editable fields. For example, either net amounts subject to a tax or gross amounts including the tax may be entered for a transaction, and the other value is automatically computed and displayed. Either value may subsequently be re-entered, and the other value may again automatically be computed and displayed, replacing the earlier input and output.
US08635124B1 Message based generation of item listings
According to various exemplary embodiments, an electronic text message is received from a source telephone number, the electronic text message including content describing a product item. A seller of the product item is identified, based on the source telephone number, and the product item is identified, based on the content included in the electronic text message. Thereafter, a draft version of an item listing is automatically generated, where the item listing lists the product item as being for sale by the seller on a marketplace website.
US08635117B1 System and method for consumer fraud protection
The present invention relates to system and method for authorizing a financial transaction using user-data collected from third party websites, such as Social Media Networks. In operation, collected user-data may be compared to a financial-data collected during a financial transaction to identify potential fraud and/or other discrepancies, confirming the identity of the user with a greater degree of accuracy.
US08635114B2 Stored value transaction system and method including an integrated database server
An integrated database and information server are provided that efficiently share information and tasks between various stored value programs. A server is configured to provide reusable objects and data structures that are suitably shared between various stored value products. A database at the server allows data to be shared between various programs so that each consumer associates with only one database record even though that consumer may use multiple shared value products. By integrating modules and avoiding duplicate records, the record communicates with all stored value programs, so the information does not need to be repeatedly entered into the database. Moreover, new stored value products are quickly and easily created through selection and arrangement of various shared objects preferably maintained within the database.
US08635110B2 Centralized management of marketing activities among participants of multiple channel marketing networks
A marketing system, also referred to as a platform, is disclosed which facilitates centralized management of marketing activities among multiple participants of multiple channel marketing networks, where the marketing activities may include determination of one or more consumers to which marketing content is to be presented and a provision of marketing content thereto. In particular, the disclosed technology platform allows members of a channel marketing network, including, for example, sponsors/OEMs, distributors, buying groups, and resellers, to link to each other to create connections that allow a secure and managed exchange of marketing content, funding and contact data, for the purpose of executing shared business processes, such as co-marketing related processes, and having access to the results thereof. An advertising platform is provided which facilitates participant discovery and channel network formation, segregates marketing activities between channel marketing networks and among the participants of a particular channel marketing network, generates and conducts marketing campaigns on behalf of participants based on internally generated and/or participant provided marketing content and directed to participant identified contacts, facilitates the funding of those marketing campaigns by one or more participants, and facilitates gathering and evaluation of the results thereof.
US08635106B2 System for targeting data to users on mobile devices
A system is described for targeting data to users on mobile devices. The system may include a processor, a memory and an interface. The memory may be operatively connected to the processor and the interface and may store a request, a mobile identifier, a session identifier, a user behavior dataset and a data. The interface may be operatively connected to the memory and the processor and may communicate with the mobile device. The processor may be operatively connected to the interface and the memory and may receive a request from a user on a mobile device via the interface. The processor may extract a mobile identifier from the request and map the mobile identifier to a session identifier. The processor may use the session identifier to collect a user behavior dataset and may communicate data to the user based on the user behavior dataset via the interface.
US08635101B2 Apparatus and method for a financial planning faith-based rules database
A method for providing financial management and planning in an electronic device according to various exemplary embodiments can include using a faith-based rules database to determine a financial and life purposed plan for a user; draft a vision statement for the user based on the financial and life purposed plan; establish personal goals and priorities based on the vision statement for the user; compile financial statement and reports for the user based on financial data of the user; generate a stewardship evaluation report that provides an analysis of management of finances by the user based on faith-based financial management rules and the purposed plan; develop financial plans for the user based on results of the stewardship evaluation report; prepare a spending and savings plan for the user to facilitate the financial plans; and iteratively monitoring and revising the steps of determining, drafting, establishing, compiling, generating, developing and preparing financial plans.
US08635100B2 System and method for generating multi-phase construction plans
A method includes identifying a plurality of facilities in a complex. Each facility is associated with a construction project. The method also includes determining a potential revenue associated with at least one of the facilities. The method further includes determining a cost associated with at least one of the facilities. In addition, the method includes generating a schedule of the construction projects using the identified potential revenue and the identified cost.
US08635096B2 Method and system for adapting a production flow schedule for a production process
A method and system are disclosed for adapting a production flow schedule for one or more production processes, each having one or more process steps that use power for the execution thereof. An exemplary method includes identifying at least one availability time window in which there is a predetermined minimum power availability within a predetermined optimization time period based on a piece of availability information which indicates a forecast power availability during the optimization time period; providing an indication of one or more flexible process steps, which can be executed in a plurality of alternative time windows within the optimization time period; and for each of the flexible process steps, temporally rearranging the corresponding flexible process step into one of the corresponding alternative time windows if the rescheduling is within the availability time window in order to obtain an adapted production flow schedule.
US08635095B2 Method and apparatus for tracking an intent
A method for tracking an intent comprises, for an intent parameter, searching a Structure Access Intent Tracker database for at least one record pertaining to the intent parameter, each record identifying an intent. The method also comprises, in response to the searching, a provision of a report that includes a numerical count of the plurality of records.
US08635091B2 Systems and methods for linking vehicles to telematics-enabled portable devices
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for transmitting telematics data from a vehicle. The systems include a smartphone holder that provides a communications link between a smartphone and a vehicle computer, through the smartphone dataport and the vehicle onboard diagnostics (OBD) port. The smartphone holder is configured to keep the smartphone in a stable, known position and orientation with respect to the vehicle, such that data from an accelerometer in the smartphone can be calibrated. The smartphone accelerometer data and telematics data from vehicle telematics sensors is then transmitted via the smartphone or stored locally.
US08635090B2 Systems and methods for providing coverage recommendation engine
A computer system includes a data storage device. The data storage module receives, stores, and provides access to historical entity data and insurance coverage package data. A recommendation engine comprising program instructions stored in a program memory receives current entity data, creates a current entity representative record based on the received current entity data and historical entity data, creates one or more historical entity representative records for each of a plurality of insurance coverage packages, identifies one of the historical entity representative records based on the current entity representative record, identifies one or more of the plurality of insurance coverage packages based on the identified historical entity representative record, and presents the identified one or more insurance coverage packages when executed by a computer processor. A payment device processes a payment associated with one of the identified one or more insurance coverage packages to establish an insurance contract with the current entity based on the one of the identified one or more insurance coverage packages.
US08635088B2 Medical facility bed availability
Methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus related to predicting availability of medical facility beds. Specifically, the disclosed methods, systems, devices and/or apparatus relate to determining which beds in the medical facility are available or unavailable at specific time periods (including past, present and/or future time periods).
US08635087B1 Aggregating personal information
A method of aggregating an individual's healthcare information under the individual's control in a personal information aggregator includes receiving a request from a healthcare-related entity to provide the individual's healthcare information. Authorization is received from the individual to receive and store the healthcare information. One or more data feeds containing the individual's healthcare information are received from the healthcare-related entity. At least a portion of the healthcare information contained in the data feeds is stored under the control of the individual.
US08635086B2 Automated patient management system
A system for making the process of registering at and receiving treatment in a healthcare facility more efficient and safe has been developed. The system utilizes computer communications network-based systems, software, various input and output stations, and a patient identification card (e.g., Loyalty Card) that work together to allow (a) providers to direct, track, and optimize the efficiency of patient activity and (b) patients to have ready access to their status and, in some cases, control of the healthcare process.
US08635083B1 Systems and methods for facilitating the establishment of pharmaceutical rebate agreements
Systems and methods for facilitating the establishment of pharmaceutical rebate agreements or arrangements may be provided. One or more rebate offers associated with one or more pharmaceutical products manufactured by the drug manufacturer may be received from a drug manufacturer via a network. One or more respective conditions associated with the one or more rebate offers may be established by the drug manufacturer. At least a portion of the one or more rebate offers may be electronically presented to a payer of pharmaceutical benefits. A selection of at least one of the presented rebate offers may be received from the payer via the network. The selection may initiate an enrollment of the payer for the at least one selected rebate offer.
US08635081B2 Integrated pharmacy error tracking and reporting system and method
The disclosure presents a system and method for efficiently capturing, tracking, analyzing, and providing continuous quality improvement in an integrated manner in relation to errors which occur in the distribution of medication to patients through a multi-store pharmacy operation. The system and method include receiving error event data for a pharmacy error event through a first input device at a pharmacy through an input interface, transmitting the error event data to a pharmacy error event database associated with a pharmacy error event computer and storing the error event data in the pharmacy error event database. The system and method may also determine whether the first error event information requires escalation, and transmit an error event escalation message through a communication device to supervisory personnel, as well as tabulate the error event data with the pharmacy error event computer based on a criteria for communicating insight information to supervisory personnel through a communication device. The system and method provide further structural, functional and operational features for implementing these and other features in a multi-store and multi-district pharmacy operation.
US08635079B2 System and method for sharing malware analysis results
In certain embodiments, a computer-implemented method includes accessing information related to a first file determined to satisfy at least one of a plurality of suspected malware conditions. A first of a number of manager consoles may access the information, each manager console being communicatively coupled to a respective network of a number of networks. A request may be generated for a determination of whether the first file comprises malware. The determination may be conducted at a master manager console. Data may be accessed indicating a result, outputted by the master manager console, of the determination of whether the first file comprises malware. A sharing policy may be accessed and used to determine whether the result is sharable with a second one of the manager consoles. If the result is sharable, a message comprising the result may be generated to be sent to the second manager console.
US08635072B2 Information communication using majority logic for machine control signals extracted from audible sound signals
An information communication apparatus includes a transmission apparatus transmitting audible sound signals and information signals, and a receiving apparatus. The transmission apparatus has multiple channels through which the audible sound signals are transmitted, one or more signal synthesizing units which electrically synthesize audible sound signals corresponding to each of the channels and machine operation control signals for controlling a machine and which generate synthesized electric signals with regard to each of the channels, and a transmission unit that transmits the synthesized electric signals through a transmission path for each of the channels. The receiving apparatus has one or more receiving units receiving synthesized electric signals through the transmission path for each channel, an extraction apparatus extracting machine operation control signals from the synthesized electric signals for each channel, and a majority logic section making a majority decision based on the extracted machine operation control signals for operation of the machine.
US08635070B2 Speech translation apparatus, method and program that generates insertion sentence explaining recognized emotion types
According to one embodiment, a speech translation apparatus includes a receiving unit, a first recognition unit, a second recognition unit, a first generation unit, a translation unit, a second generation unit, a synthesis unit. The receiving unit is configured to receive a speech in a first language and convert to speech signal. The first recognition unit is configured to perform speech recognition and generate a transcription. The second recognition unit is configured to recognize which emotion type is included in the speech and generate emotion identification information including recognized emotion type(s). The first generation unit is configured to generate a filtered sentence. The translation unit is configured to generate a translation of the filtered sentence in the first language in a second language. The second generation unit is configured to generate an insertion sentence. The synthesis unit is configured to convert the filtered and the insertion sentences into speech signal.
US08635069B2 Scripting support for data identifiers, voice recognition and speech in a telnet session
Methods of adding data identifiers and speech/voice recognition functionality are disclosed. A telnet client runs one or more scripts that add data identifiers to data fields in a telnet session. The input data is inserted in the corresponding fields based on data identifiers. Scripts run only on the telnet client without modifications to the server applications. Further disclosed are methods for providing speech recognition and voice functionality to telnet clients. Portions of input data are converted to voice and played to the user. A user also may provide input to certain fields of the telnet session by using his voice. Scripts running on the telnet client convert the user's voice into text and is inserted to corresponding fields.
US08635065B2 Apparatus and method for automatic extraction of important events in audio signals
The present invention discloses an apparatus for automatic extraction of important events in audio signals comprising: signal input means for supplying audio signals; audio signal fragmenting means for partitioning audio signals supplied by the signal input means into audio fragments of a predetermined length and for allocating a sequence of one or more audio fragments to a respective audio window; feature extracting means for analyzing acoustic characteristics of the audio signals comprised in the audio fragments and for analyzing acoustic characteristics of the audio signals comprised in the audio windows; and important event extraction means for extracting important events in audio signals supplied by the audio signal fragmenting means based on predetermined important event classifying rules depending on acoustic characteristics of the audio signals comprised in the audio fragments and on acoustic characteristics of the audio signals comprised in the audio windows, wherein each important event extracted by the important event extraction means comprises a discrete sequence of cohesive audio fragments corresponding to an important event included in the audio signals.
US08635058B2 Increasing the relevancy of media content
The present invention relates to increasing the relevance of media content communicated to consumers who are consuming the media content. In this regard, at least one of a personal device can be synced with a media device, each of the personal device is associated with at least one of a consumer who is proximate the media device. At least one of a preferred human language associated with at least one of the personal device can be determined. The media device or media content can be configured and or caused to be communicated in at least one of the preferred human language to increase relevance of the media content communicated to the consumer. Other embodiments can include communicating at least a portion of the media content on the personal device and selecting relevant media content based in part on language, cultural, ethnic, time, day, occasion, or geography.
US08635055B1 Composite signal configuration element for modeling environments
In a modeling environment, a composite signal configuration element is provided. The composite signal configuration element configures one or more signals of a composite signal having a selectable grouping of the one or more signals. Configuring signals of a composite signal allows for the selectable creation, editing, and separation of composite signals. In some embodiments, hierarchical composite signals may be selectably created edited or separated into individual signals. In certain embodiments the composite signal configuration element may include additional functionality for performing operation on the composite signal.
US08635053B2 Impedance analysis for esophageal maladies
A system and method for automatically analyzing impedance and pH data from an esophageal probe includes a data collection system that collects and stores the output from the sensors for a certain period of time to locate reflux episodes in the waveforms. The data analysis system uses wavelet analysis to assist in locating bolus entry and exit points in the waveforms and to smooth waveforms for additional analysis. It also distinguishes between candidate acid reflux episodes and candidate non-acid reflux episodes for determining actual acid reflux episodes and non-acid reflux episodes, and it distinguishes between, and provides different signal processing for, signals from patients that have healthy esophageal tissue and those that have diseased esophageal tissue.
US08635050B2 Method for finding the filling rate or the porosity of powder
The size distribution f(r) of powder particles is found, and the packing rate p of the powder particles is found based on the size distribution f(r) according to the following formula (a): p = ∑ i ⁢ ⁢ ∑ j ⁢ ⁢ r i 2 ⁢ r j 3 ⁢ f ⁡ ( r i ) ⁢ f ⁡ ( r j ) 〈 r 2 〉 ⁢ 〈 r 3 〉 ⁢ p ji ⁡ ( max ) ( a ) where f(ri): a frequency of i-particles having a radius of ri contained in the powder particles, f(rj): a frequency of j-particles having a radius of rj contained in the powder particles, ri: the radius of the i-particles contained in the powder particles, rj: the radius of the j-particles contained in the powder particles, 〈 r 2 〉 : ∑ i ⁢ ⁢ r i 2 ⁢ f ⁡ ( r i ) 〈 r 3 〉 : ∑ i ⁢ ⁢ r i 3 ⁢ f ⁡ ( r i ) pji(max): a void fraction in a hypothetical sphere having a radius of rj+ri around a j-particle having a radius of rj when the j-particle has i-particles most closely packed therearound so as be brought into contact therewith.
US08635048B2 Methods for characterizing vibration of a rack structure
A system for characterizing vibration of a rack structure having at least one hard disk drive disposed therein and a vibration exciter operatively associated with the rack structure includes one or more computers. The one or more computers are configured to command the vibration exciter to provide vibration input to the rack structure and to command a plurality of reads from the at least one hard disk drive such that, for each of the plurality of reads, data stored on the at least one hard disk drive is retrieved from the at least one hard disk drive. The one or more computers are also configured to obtain read rate information related to the plurality of reads and to identify at least one resonant frequency of the rack structure based on the read rate information.
US08635047B2 Method of inspecting point-of-care biological test appliances
A method of inspecting point-of-care biological test appliances by means of an inspection appliance comprises the steps of: receiving qualitative data characterizing the test appliance and the environment in which the appliance is found; receiving the value of a control solution as measured by the test appliance; acquiring the value of the control solution as measured by a reference appliance; transmitting the test value, the reference value, and the qualitative data to a centralizing computer system; determining a bias expected between the received test value and the acquired reference value; comparing the test value with the reference value while taking the bias into account to obtain comparison data; storing the comparison data in association with the qualitative data; generating an inspection report within the computer system; and sending the report to the inspection appliance or to a computer terminal associated with the inspection appliance.
US08635039B1 Graphical technique for retrieving permittivity and permeability of materials
A graphical technique and three phase unwrapping techniques for retrieving bulk permittivity and permeability tensors of materials, and more specifically, the new technique provides for retrieving isotropic and anisotropic material parameters.
US08635038B2 System for monitoring the state of a battery
The invention is a monitoring system for a battery having a plurality of accumulators. The system comprises apparatus for measuring the voltage on the terminals of each accumulator; measuring the temperature of the battery; measuring the current flowing through the battery, calculating a voltage difference between a maximum voltage measured on the terminals of one of the accumulators and a minimum voltage measured on the terminals of one of the accumulators; comparing the voltage difference with at least one threshold value depending on the measured temperature and current, and reporting an error if the voltage difference is greater than or equal to the at least one threshold value.
US08635037B2 Battery state-of-charge management method
Equipment and methods for estimating and regulating the state of charge (SOC) of a battery in a hybrid fuel cell-battery system for use in a moving vehicle. The SOC is continuously estimated and the fuel cell power is regulated to maintain the SOC at a level such that the battery has enough stored energy to operate motors used in the vehicle, and enough spare capacity to accept regenerative energy from these motors during further operations.
US08635036B2 Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing energy management utilizing a power meter
Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing energy management utilizing a power meter are provided. A request for a graphical user interface may be received by a power meter in communication with an external device. The requested graphical user interface may be associated with at least one of (i) operation of the power meter or (ii) provision of electrical power to one or more loads. Based at least in part on the received request, information associated with the graphical user interface may be generated by the power meter and communicated to the external device.
US08635033B2 Method and apparatus to monitor loss of ground isolation of an electric motor drive circuit
A method for monitoring electric isolation of a high voltage DC bus to detect ground isolation faults includes monitoring voltage differentials between a positive DC electric power bus and a negative DC electric power bus and a chassis ground. Electrical isolation between each of the positive and negative DC electric power buses and the chassis ground is monitored using a ratio of the voltage differentials.
US08635031B2 Methods for identifying drug targets based on genomic sequence data
This invention provides a computational approach to identifying potential antibacterial drug targets based on a genomic sequence and its annotation. Starting from a fully sequenced genome, open reading frame assignments are made which determine the metabolic genotype for the organism. The metabolic genotype, and more specifically its stoichiometric matrix, are analyzed using flux balance analysis to assess the effects of genetic deletions on the fitness of the organism and its ability to produce essential biomolecules required for growth.
US08635030B2 Method for the determination of a NOx concentration value upstream of a SCR catalyst in a diesel engine
A method is provided for the determination of a NOx concentration value upstream of a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalyst in a Diesel engine, the engine having an exhaust line, a Diesel Particulate Filter and a NOx concentration sensor downstream of the SCR catalyst, the method including, but is not limited to estimating the NOx concentration value upstream of the SCR catalyst as a function of at least two engine parameters, measuring the NOx concentration downstream of the SCR catalyst, calculating the difference Z(x, y) between the estimated NOx concentration value and the measured value and, in case the difference is higher than a predetermined threshold, correcting the estimated NOx concentration value with a NOx concentration correction value. The NOx concentration correction value is calculated using a correction map that correlates the at least two engine parameters and the difference Z(x, y) with the NOx concentration correction value.
US08635029B2 Systems and methods for biopolymer engineering
Methods, computer systems, and computer program products for biopolymer engineering. A variant set for a biopolymer of interest is constructed by identifying, using a plurality of rules, a plurality of positions in the biopolymer of interest and, for each respective position in the plurality of positions, substitutions for the respective position. The plurality of positions and the substitutions for each respective position in the plurality of positions collectively define a biopolymer sequence space. A variant set comprising a plurality of variants of the biopolymer of interest is selected. A property of all or a portion of the variants in the variant set is measured. A sequence-activity relationship is modeled between (i) one or more substitutions at one or more positions of the biopolymer of interest represented by the variant set and (ii) the property measured for all or the portion of the variants in the variant set. The variant set is redefined to comprise variants that include substitutions in the plurality of positions that are selected based on a function of the sequence-activity relationship.
US08635027B2 Common protein surface shapes and uses therefor
A method of determining common three-dimensional structural features of protein surfaces is provided, as is use of representations of these common structures in molecular database searching and in designing focused molecular libraries. The method is particularly concerned with the analysis and representation of protein surfaces such as b-turns, loops and contact surfaces. In one form, the method identifies common locations and orientations of amino acid side-chains, simplified as Cα-Cβ vectors. In another form, the method identifies common regions of surface charge represented by grid points in three-dimensional space. Further provided are common three dimensional structural features of proteins that can be used to search molecular databases for the purposes of identifying molecules that match these common three dimensional structural features. The common three dimensional structural features can also be used to focus de novo molecular generation to produce libraries containing molecules that have these common three dimensional structural features. Libraries of these structurally-related molecules may then be produced for the purposes of drug discovery.
US08635019B2 Navigation device and method for altering map information related to audible information
Methods and devices are disclosed for providing map information to a user via a portable navigation device. The method may include displaying map information including at least one icon and a route to a desired destination, producing audible information related to the route, and altering the at least one icon for display when the audible information relates to the at least one icon. The portable navigation device includes a display device to display map information including at least one icon and a route to a desired destination, an output device to produce audible information related to the route, and a processor to alter the at least one icon for display when the audible information relates to the at least one icon.
US08635017B2 Method of generating improved map data for use in navigation devices
An end-user can input a correction to a map error, directly on the device. The device is then able to use the correction without external processing of the correction. Hence, it is no longer necessary for an end-user to simply report errors to the map vendor over a web link, then wait for that map vendor to verify the error, update its maps and finally supply the end-user with updates—a cycle that can take months and sometimes years to complete. Instead, the navigation device can use the correction immediately. End-users can also share corrections with other end-users and also with a shared remote server that aggregates, validates and distributes corrections.
US08635015B2 Enhanced visual landmark for localization
The different illustrative embodiments provide a localization apparatus comprising an identification signal and an orientation controller. The identification signal is for recognition by a localized machine for utilizing the localization apparatus as a location point. The orientation controller is configured to control an orientation of the identification signal dependent upon an orientation of the localization apparatus in a defined environment.
US08635013B2 Cooperative geolocation based on inter-vehicular communication
A cooperative event location system is provided having a first system in a first vehicle and a second system. The first system includes a first event detection component to detect an occurrence of an event, a first measurement component to determine a distance traveled from the event, a first processing component coupled to the event detection component and the measurement component to prepare an event message, and a first short-range communication component coupled to the processing component and configured to transmit the event message to the second system remote from the first system. The second system includes a second short-range communication component to receive the event message, a satellite navigation component to provide location information, and a processing component coupled to the second communication component and the satellite navigation component to determine in latitude and longitude coordinates a location of the event.
US08635010B2 Navigation system with accessory control mechanism and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a navigation system includes: obtaining a device state having a current location, a current speed, and a current heading for locating a device; identifying an anticipated maneuver point for estimating a future location of the device on a thoroughfare with the anticipated maneuver point calculated from the current location and the current heading; determining an expected maneuver at the anticipated maneuver point; and generating an accessory control for manipulating an accessory on the device for the expected maneuver at the anticipated maneuver point.
US08635008B2 Symmetric and interlocked regional traffic light control method
A regional symmetric and interlocked traffic light control method includes: defining a first preferred point in a desired metropolitan area; determining a first axial average vehicle speed and a first axial preferred allowed travel time period for the first axial streets and a second axial average vehicle speed and a second axial preferred allowed travel time period for the second axial streets; obtaining a first vehicle travel distance and a second vehicle travel distance; determining a first control region according to the first preferred point, the first vehicle travel distance and the second vehicle travel distance; defining a second preferred point and a third preferred point adjacent to the first control region; controlling a plurality of traffic lights in the two adjacent control regions to respectively display green and red lights on the same axial streets in accordance with a preferred allowed travel time period and linking the traffic lights in said control regions by serializing. Therefore, a vehicle can pass through a plurality of adjacent control regions in accordance in its cruising speed and the traveling efficiency of the vehicle can be improved.
US08635007B2 Filtering method and filter for a NOX sensor of an exhaust gas system
Embodiments for determining NH3 slip past a catalyst are provided. In one example, a filtering method for a NOx sensor of an exhaust gas system having an SCR catalytic converter comprises determining NOx concentration upstream of the catalytic converter, measuring NOx concentration downstream of the catalytic converter, modeling NOx conversion, modeling NH3 slip behavior, calculating a NOx error of the NOx modeling, calculating an NH3 error of the NH3 modeling, assigning data of the NOx sensor as NH3 measured values when a ratio of the NOx error to the NH3 error is greater than an upper threshold value, and assigning data of the NOx sensor as NOx measured values when the ratio of the NOx error to the NH3 error is smaller than a lower threshold value. In this way, NOx slip and NH3 slip may be determined from a common sensor.
US08635005B2 Control device of internal combustion engine
A control device of an internal combustion engine includes a filter processing portion which performs a filter processing on the vibration level extracted by the vibration level extraction portion, and calculates a vibration level after the filter processing; and an abnormal ignition suppression control portion which compares the vibration level after the filter processing to the abnormal ignition determination value when a retard correction equal to or greater than a predetermined value is performed by the knock control portion, in a case where it is determined that the vibration level after the filter processing is equal to or greater than the abnormal ignition determination value, determines that the abnormal ignition is generated in the internal combustion engine, corrects and controls the combustion control portion in a direction of suppressing the abnormal ignition.
US08635003B2 System and method for calibration and fault detection of non-contact position sensor
A control system for an engine includes a control module and a resistor. The resistor is connected in series between the control module and a non-contact position sensor. The control module selectively detects a fault of the non-contact position sensor based on a voltage drop across the resistor. A method for controlling an engine includes providing a resistor connected in series between a control module and a non-contact position sensor, and selectively detecting a fault of the non-contact position sensor based on a voltage drop across the resistor.
US08635001B2 System and method for improved vehicle response during vehicle acceleration conditions
A vehicle control method for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine coupled to a torque converter is described. In one embodiment, the engine air flow and spark are adjusted to control torque converter operation. The method can improve vehicle response to driver accelerator commands.
US08634989B1 Rollover prevention apparatus
The rollover prevention apparatus defines an adaptive steering range limiting device comprising a control unit and a pair of opposing unidirectional brake assemblies mounted to a steering column position detection disc. The rollover prevention apparatus prevents the steering wheel of the vehicle from being turned beyond the threshold of vehicle rollover, but otherwise does not restrict the rotational range of motion of the steering wheel of a vehicle.
US08634980B1 Driving pattern recognition and safety control
Systems and methods are provided for controlling a vehicle. A safe envelope driving pattern is determined to control the vehicle in an autonomous mode. User identification data and sensor data are received from one or more sensors associated with the vehicle. A driver-specific driving pattern is determined based on the received sensor data and the user identification data. Operation of the vehicle is controlled in the autonomous mode based on the identification of the user in the driver's seat, the safe envelope driving pattern, and the user-specific driving pattern.
US08634979B2 Drive device and drive control method for electric bicycle
A drive device and a drive control method for the electric bicycle are disclosed. The drive device of the electric bicycle is equipped with a power supply/storage unit, a compact motor, an inclination sensor, a brake actuation sensor, a pedal-rotating speed sensor and a drive control module. The drive device performs integrated calculations using the inclination information of the inclination sensor, the brake actuation information of the brake actuation sensor and the pedal-rotating speed information of the pedal-rotating speed sensor, so the drive control modules instructs the compact motor and the power supply/storage unit to quickly enter an auxiliary drive mode for rotating wheels of the electric bicycle, or to enter an energy recovery mode for storing electrical energy generated by the compact motor.
US08634978B2 Power transmitting apparatus for vehicle
It is provided a power transmitting apparatus for a vehicle that is disposed in a power transmission path between an engine and driving wheels and that has an electric differential portion whose differential state between an input rotation speed and an output rotation speed is controlled by controlling a driving state through an electric motor coupled to a rotating element of the differential portion, wherein for varying the output rotation speed of the electric differential portion, at a predetermined time point, an amount of divergence between an actual rotation speed and a target rotation speed of the engine is calculated and the target rotation speed of the engine is set such that the amount of divergence converges at a predetermined slope and the convergence of the amount of divergence is delayed compared to that without any control.
US08634976B2 Systems and methods for managing torque capability in electric motor systems
A method for operating an electric motor is provided. The method includes receiving a torque request; determining long term torque capabilities and short term torque capabilities of the electric motor; generating a torque command based on the torque request and at least one of the long term torque capabilities or the short term torque capabilities; and controlling the electric motor in accordance with the torque command.
US08634971B2 Brake wear control system
A system, apparatus and method provide a means for managing wear of brake friction material such that even friction material wear is experienced between brakes. The available friction material of each brake is monitored to determine an amount of wear. Based on the amount of wear, a braking force applied by each brake may be varied to ensure even wear between brakes.
US08634970B2 Apparatus and method for vessel traffic management
An apparatus for vessel traffic management mounted in a vessel creates vessel sailing information including a current location and an identifier of the vessel in accordance with a navigation plan to a destination of the vessel; calculates an estimated time for arriving at the destination based on a distance between the current location and the destination and a sailing speed; and calculates an estimated entry time of entering a target area within the destination based on a distance between the current location and the destination and the sailing speed. The vessel sailing information, the estimated arrival time, and the estimated entry time are transmitted to a local control center, and the sailing of the vessel is controlled using a vessel traffic condition at the target area, provided from the local control center.
US08634969B2 Teleoperation method and human robot interface for remote control of a machine by a human operator
The invention relates to a teleoperation method and a human robot interface for remote control of a machine by a human operator (5) using a remote control unit, particularly for remote control of a drone, wherein a vestibular feedback is provided to the operator (5) to enhance the situational awareness of the operator (5), wherein the vestibular feedback represents a real motion of the remote-controlled machine.
US08634968B2 Communication system for a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a communication system for a motor vehicle for transmitting an information relating to the operation of the motor vehicle from a transmitting control device to a receiving control device. The communication system comprises an interface for the input or output of the information relating to the operation of the motor vehicle. Communication can be established via the interface by means of a protocol which comprises an operation field for identifying a task to be carried out using the information relating to the operation of the motor vehicle.
US08634966B2 Method, a system, a computer-readable medium, and a power controlling apparatus for applying and distributing power
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to power management and the like, and more particularly, to an apparatus, a system, a method, and a computer-readable medium for providing power controlling functionality to generate configurable power signals and to deliver power during fault conditions. In at least some embodiments, a power control unit can generate power signals having configurable attributes as a function of a mode of operation, a fault type, and the like.
US08634960B2 Lawn care robot
A robot lawnmower includes a body and a drive system carried by the body and configured to maneuver the robot across a lawn. The robot also includes a grass cutter and a swath edge detector, both carried by the body. The swath edge detector is configured to detect a swath edge between cut and uncut grass while the drive system maneuvers the robot across the lawn while following a detected swath edge. The swath edge detector includes a calibrator that monitors uncut grass for calibration of the swath edge detector. In some examples, the calibrator comprises a second swath edge detector.
US08634959B2 Apparatus and method detecting a robot slip
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for detecting slip of a robot. The robot periodically repeats a pattern movement in the order of a uniform motion, a decelerating motion, and an accelerating motion, or in the order of a uniform motion, an accelerating motion, and a deceleration motion. The occurrence of slip of the robot performing a pattern movement is determined by comparing a first acceleration of the robot measured by an acceleration sensor and a second acceleration of the robot measured by an encoder.
US08634957B2 Tool memory-based software upgrades for robotic surgery
Robotic devices, systems, and methods for use in robotic surgery and other robotic applications, and/or medical instrument devices, systems, and methods includes both a reusable processor and a limited-use robotic tool or medical treatment probe. A memory the limited-use component includes machine readable code with data and/or programming instructions to be implemented by the processor. Programming of the processor can be updated by shipping of new data once downloaded by the processor from a component, subsequent components can take advantage of the updated processor without repeated downloading.
US08634956B1 Celestial navigation system for an autonomous robot
An autonomous robot system including a transmitter disposed within a working area and a mobile robot operating within the working area. The transmitter includes an emitter for emitting at least one signal onto a remote surface above the working area. The mobile robot includes a robot body, a drive system configured to maneuver the robot over a surface within the working area, and a navigation system in communication with the drive system. The navigation system includes a receiver responsive to the emitted signal as reflected off of the remote surface and a processor connected to the receiver and configured to determine a relative location of the robot within the working area based on input from the receiver.
US08634943B2 Interactive sports-themed game
A method and system for playing a virtual game is disclosed. The virtual game is associated with a real game, such as a baseball or golf game. Users play the virtual game which is based on events in a real game that is followed by the users simultaneously as they play the virtual game. In one embodiment, the real game is a baseball game. In another embodiment, the real game is a golf game. A server communicates with clients to allow multiple users to compete in the virtual game via the use of client devices.
US08634936B2 Medical leads and related systems that include a lumen body that is joined to a lead body and that has multiple filar lumens
Medical leads include a lumen body at an end of the lead, and the lumen body includes multiple filar lumens. The lumen body is joined to a lead body, and electrical connectors are longitudinally spaced along the lumen body. Filars within the filar lumens are directed through filar passageways within the lumen body to attach to the electrical connectors on the lumen body. The filar passageways may be aligned with the filar lumens, and slots within the electrical connectors may be aligned with the filar passageways to facilitate assembly. The lumen body may provide additional stiffness to the end of the lead where the lumen body is located to facilitate lead insertion into the medical device. The filar lumens of the lumen body may have a longitudinally straight configuration so that the portions of filars within the filar lumens are held in a longitudinally straight configuration.
US08634935B2 Transcoronary sinus pacing system, LV summit pacing, early mitral closure pacing, and methods therefor
A transcoronary sinus pacing system comprising a sheath having a lumen, a pacing catheter having a pacing needle, wherein the catheter can be advanced within the lumen and placed in the LV summit, and a right ventricular pacing device. A LV summit pacing device. An early mitral valve closure pacing device configured to operate with a right ventricular apex pacing device. A method for implanting a pacing device at a target coronary sinus tissue location, wherein the target can be the posterior LV summit. A method for achieving early closure of a mitral valve. A method for using visualization devices such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound and/or catheter features such as a radiopaque marker to locate a target location for LV pacing and to avoid piercing an artery or the pericardium when anchoring the LV pacing electrode.
US08634934B2 Directional lead assembly
Leads having directional electrodes thereon. Also provided are leads having directional electrodes as well as anchoring prongs to secure the electrodes to the leads. Also provided are leads with directional electrodes where all the electrodes have the same surface area. Methods of treating conditions and selectively stimulating regions of the brain such as the thalamus and cerebellum are also provided.
US08634932B1 Minimally invasive methods for implanting a sacral stimulation lead
Methods and apparatus for implanting a neural stimulation lead in a patient's body are described. A lead assembly for minimally invasive implantation of a stimulation lead comprises a pointed-tip stylet, a stimulation lead, and an optional tube to deploy fixation element attached on the lead. One embodiment of the implant methods starts with inserting the pointed-tip lead assembly directly into tissue. The desired implant position is determined by electric stimulation either through stimulation lead or the pointed tip. Afterwards, the pointed-tip component is separated from the stimulation lead and removed from the tissue, leaves the stimulation lead implanted. In one variation, a needle is inserted to identify the optimal stimulation site first, after mark the needle path and position, the needle is removed and a pointed-tip stimulation lead assembly is inserted along the needle path marked. After confirmation of stimulation lead in the right tissue location, the pointed-tip component of the lead assembly is removed from the body and leaves the stimulation lead in place. The stimulation lead can be connected to the neurostimulator to delivery therapies to treat neural disorders, such as urinary control disorders, fecal control disorders, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain, etc.
US08634930B2 System for providing diabetic therapy
Various system embodiments include a glucose control input, a low physical activity input, and a diabetic therapy delivery system adapted to respond to the glucose control input and the low physical activity input to deliver diabetic therapy. According to various embodiments, the diabetic therapy includes an anti-arrhythmia therapy, a hypertension therapy, a neural stimulation therapy adapted to reduce a risk of myocardial infarction, a neural stimulation therapy adapted to be applied after a myocardial infarction to reduce an infarct area, a neural stimulation therapy adapted to reduce a risk of sudden cardiac death, a therapy adapted to secrete insulin, or a therapy to reduce a workload of a diabetic heart. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
US08634929B2 Method for treatment of neoplastic cells in the prostate of a patient
An apparatus and a method for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia are disclosed. The apparatus includes an applicator piece carrying a set of electrodes shaped and positioned to create a substantial electric field in the volume of hyperplasia and a pulse generator adapted for delivery of electrical pulses above the upper electroporation limit for the neoplastic cells. The amplitude, duration and number of the electrical pulses are generally selected to cause necrosis of a significant fraction of the volume of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The apparatus may include a high frequency system for heating the prostatic tissue and a cooling system for cooling the urethra. The combined action of heating and cooling may increase the temperature of the prostate cells to 45 degrees C. to 55 degrees C., while keeping the urinary tract at a temperature 15 degrees C. to 20 degrees C. This temperature distribution can increase the selectivity of the treatment by increasing susceptibility of the neoplastic cells to the electroporation treatment and decreasing it for the normal urethral tissues.
US08634928B1 Wireless power transmission for implantable medical devices
Described is an apparatus and method for increasing a gain of a transmitted power signal in a wireless link when operating in a mid field wavelength that is within a range between wavelength/100 to 100*wavelength and within a medium having a complex impedance between a transmit antenna and a receive antenna. The apparatus and method maximize the gain in the wireless link using simultaneous conjugate matching, to increase power transfer within the transmitted power signal, wherein the simultaneous conjugate matching accounts for interaction between the transmit antenna and the receive antenna, including the complex impedance of the medium between the transmit antenna and the receive antenna.
US08634926B2 Clinic based instrument system for remote processing and access to implanted systems information
A system for accessing implantable medical device (IMD) data is provided including an interrogation appliance to retrieve data from an IMD and transfer the data to a processor. The processor converts the device data to a viewable form that is transferred by the processor to a data destination. The data destination may be an electronic mail address, a secure web site, a facsimile number or the interrogation appliance. The data is presented in a viewable form at the data destination either on a display or by printing. Any number of interrogation appliances may be communicatively coupled to the processor for converting IMD data and providing the IMD data back to a data destination in a viewable form for use by a clinician.
US08634921B2 Implantable and rechargeable neural stimulator
One aspect of the present subject matter relates to an implantable medical device. An embodiment of the device comprises a rechargeable power supply adapted to be recharged through an ultrasound signal, a neural stimulator connected to the rechargeable power supply, and a controller connected to the rechargeable power supply. The neural stimulator is adapted to generate a neural stimulation signal for delivery to a neural stimulation target through an electrode. The controller is further connected to the neural stimulator to control the neural stimulator according to a neural stimulation protocol. Other aspects are provided herein.
US08634920B2 Device for perineum reeducation
The invention provides a perineal rehabilitation device comprising an applicator that is either an endocavity applicator (100) or an annular applicator (100′), locally supporting a charging electrode (104, 105) and at least one stimulation electrode (101, 102) respectively on its periphery or on its inside face, and including at least one energy storage unit that is rechargeable via the charging applicator (104, 105), the applicator (100, 100′) including at least one microprocessor for executing an electrical stimulation program, the device being characterized in that the applicator (100, 100′) is controlled by a control module (200) in the form of a remote control connected to the applicator (100, 100′) by a wireless connection and including a user interface for enabling the user to input operating data for the applicator (100, 100′) and a control unit for controlling the applicator (100, 100′) by sending control signals thereto, the applicator (100, 100′) being suitable for receiving control signals for modifying the intensity of stimulation while it is in operation and for modifying its ongoing operation as a function of such control signals.
US08634916B2 Heart stimulating device with selecting optimal electrode configuration
Heart stimulating device comprising a stimulation pulse generator arranged in a stimulator housing, where the heart stimulating device is coupled to a plurality of stimulation and sensing electrodes arranged at one or many leads, the electrodes being adapted to be arranged in connection with the heart to stimulate the heart. The device further comprises a sensing unit adapted to sense electrical heart tissue responses to applied electrical stimulation pulses via said electrodes. The pulse generator is adapted to generate stimulation pulses to be applied to the heart tissue by different electrodes, and for each of the applied pulses resulting in a depolarization wave in the heart tissue a depolarization wave velocity parameter of the wave is determined by the sensing unit and stored in a memory unit. The stored wave velocity parameters, related to different stimulating electrodes, are compared to each other in a comparison unit and the comparison is used to adapt a stimulation mode when stimulating the heart to optimize the hemodynamic performance of the heart.
US08634915B2 Activity sensor processing for phrenic nerve activation detection
An implantable cardiac device includes a sensor for sensing patient activity and detecting phrenic nerve activation. A first filter channel attenuates first frequencies of the sensor signal to produce a first filtered output. A second filter channel attenuates second frequencies of the accelerometer signal to produce a second filtered output. Patient activity is evaluated using the first filtered output and phrenic nerve activation caused by cardiac pacing is detected using the second filtered output.
US08634901B2 ECG leadwire system with noise suppression and related methods
A noise-suppressing electrocardiograph (ECG) adapter having a first end, a second end, and a noise-suppression element is presented, together with an ECG noise-suppressing system and related methods. In an embodiment, the noise-suppressing ECG adapter includes a housing having at least one first connector disposed at a first end of the housing adapted to electrically couple with an ECG lead set, and at least one second connector adapted for coupling to an input of an ECG device. The adapter includes a noise suppression element. The noise suppression element includes a ferromagnetic element having an opening defined therein. In an embodiment the noise suppression element is internal to the adapter. In another embodiment, the noise suppression element is tethered externally to the adapter and configured to clamp around at least a portion of an ECG leadwire.
US08634900B2 Mask comfort diagnostic method
A method of evaluating potential for discomfort of a patient (2) caused by an object (4) on the patient. The method includes acquiring (6) a first thermal image (20;40) of the patient, and wearing the object for a predetermined time. The object is removed and a plurality of thermal images (16, 24, 26, 28, 30, 44, 46, 48, 50) of the patient are acquired at predetermined times. The potential for a pressure sore or discomfort is evaluated (12) based upon at least one of the time (17) needed for one of the plurality of thermal images of the patient to return to the first thermal image, size (18) of a number of areas of an epidermis having a temperature change (19) between acquiring the first thermal image and acquiring a first one of the thermal images, and the temperature change.
US08634899B2 Multi mode imaging marker
The invention provides a device for percutaneously implanting an imaging marker for identifying a location within a tissue mass. The subcutaneous imaging marker comprises at least a first element and a second element, each of which have a primary imaging mode. The primary imaging mode of the first element is different from that of the second element.
US08634897B2 Trajectory storage apparatus and method for surgical navigation systems
A method and apparatus for determining, calculating, and/or viewing a trajectory. The trajectory can be displayed on a display relative to image data of a patient. A user can use the system to determine relationships between two or more trajectories that have been determined. The relationships can be within two dimensional, three-dimensional, or four dimensional space. The relationships can include distance, angle, etc. The relationships can also be determined between real time trajectories and stored trajectories, or combinations thereof.
US08634895B2 Biomedical surface electrode
A flexible biomedical surface electrode comprises an insulating substrate (10), a conductive electrode layer (12) screen-printed on the substrate, and an insulating masking layer (14) on the electrode layer. The masking layer is configured to expose selected regions (16) of the electrode layer. An electrically conductive adhesive gel layer (18) on the masking layer makes electrical contact with the exposed regions of the electrode layer.
US08634894B2 Electrode for prolonged monitoring of laryngeal electromyography
Laryngeal surface electrodes are devices designed to hold a conductive surface against the vocal cords in order to pick up small electrical signals from the muscle known as electromyographic signals. Several embodiments of a laryngeal electromyography tube include a conductive electrode surface that is painted, screen printed or otherwise applied directly onto the body of an endotracheal tube, such that the final device has no raised surfaces which can injure the vocal cords. These endotracheal tube with integral laryngeal surface electrodes can be safely used placed for prolonged, continuous monitoring during surgery, after surgery and during intensive care treatment intubation without a need to remove and replace the tube at these various stages of treatment. In one embodiment, one electrode contacts the vocal cords and a second electrode contacts the tongue.
US08634893B2 Features for routing conductors in medical electrical lead electrode assemblies
An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.
US08634892B2 Dry electrode device and method of assembly
An electrode set is disclosed that has two separable parts including an assembled base with printed circuit board basement, biasing member and top cover and an electrode. The basement and top cover may be made by metal or conductive material.
US08634889B2 Configurable physiological measurement system
A physiological measurement system has a sensor, a processor, a communications link and information elements. The sensor is configured to transmit light having a plurality of wavelengths into a tissue site and to generate a sensor signal responsive to the transmitted light after tissue attenuation. The attenuated light can be used by the system to determine a plurality of physiological measurements. The processor is configured to operate on the sensor signal so as to derive at least one physiological parameter after which of the plurality of physiological measurements the system is configured to or capable of measuring.
US08634880B1 Wake on wireless LAN schemes
A system including a host interface module and a power management module. The host interface module is configured to receive configuration information from a host processor of a wireless device, in which the configuration information indicates that the host processor is to (i) operate in a power save mode, and (ii) in response to the wireless device receiving data of a predetermined category from a wireless network, transition from the power save mode to an active mode. The power management module is configured to generate a first signal in response to the wireless device receiving data of the predetermined category from the wireless network, wherein in response to the first signal being generated by the power management module, the host processor is configured to transition from the power save mode to the active mode in which the host processor processes the data of the predetermined category.
US08634874B2 Base station and method for improving coverage in a wireless communication system using antenna beam-jitter and CQI correction
A base station and method are described herein that improves the coverage in a fixed-beam wireless communication system by using antenna beam-jitter and Channel Quality Information (CQI) correction. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: (a) modifying a beam by introducing a beam-jitter in a beam-forming pattern; (b) receiving an estimated channel quality information, CQI, from a user terminal; (c) accounting for effects of the beam jitter on the estimated CQI to obtain a jitter-adjusted CQI estimate; (d) and using the jitter-adjusted CQI estimate during user scheduling for a future transmission to the user terminal.
US08634872B2 Mobile terminal for distinguishing an ear during a call and method thereof
A method and apparatus for controlling a mobile terminal based on an ear to which a user puts the mobile terminal in close proximity is provided. The method includes detecting a direction of a movement of the mobile terminal through use of a sensing unit when a call event occurs, determining an ear corresponding to the direction of the movement, and controlling a function of the mobile terminal based on the determined ear. When capturing through a camera is available to determine the direction of the movement, an image captured while the user puts the mobile terminal close to the ear is additionally used. Therefore, whether the ear to which the user puts the mobile terminal in close proximity corresponds to the left ear or the right ear is determined and thus, an operation corresponding to the recognized left or right ear may be performed.
US08634869B2 Methods and apparatus related to multi-mode wireless communications device supporting both wide area network signaling and peer to peer signaling
Methods and apparatus related to the sharing of wide area network (WAN) uplink bandwidth with peer to peer communication signaling usage are described. A multi-mode wireless communications device supporting both WAN communications and peer to peer communications includes: a transmitter chain for generating signals having a first RF frequency, a first receiver chain for processing received signals having a second RF frequency, and a second receiver chain for processing signals having the first RF frequency. This design is particularly advantageous in a communications system where a WAN frequency division duplex uplink band is shared with time division duplex (TDD) peer to peer communications signaling. The wireless terminal sets the transmitter chain and the second receiver chain to the FDD uplink band and sets the first receiver chain to the FDD downlink band. This design accommodates rapid mode switching between the two modes of operation and reuses hardware where possible.
US08634867B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving signal and subcarrier allocation structure therefor in a multi-user multi-antenna communication system
An apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving a signal and a subcarrier allocation structure therefor in a multi-user multi-antenna communication system are provided, in which a transmitter calculates receive filters for each of a plurality of receivers or for a plurality of antennas in a receiver, determines the index of a vector having a correlation with the calculated receive filters in a preset codebook vector to be a receive filter index, and transmits the receive filter index to the receiver.
US08634863B2 Mobile terminal device and data transfer control program
There are obtained a mobile terminal device and a data transfer control program that, even in the case where a plurality of data that become a target of transfer exist, can simply carry out an operation to select data to be transferred from them and to start transfer itself without a mistake. An acceleration sensor 118 fixedly provided in the device is activated at a state where the data to be transferred are displayed on a first liquid crystal display 104 and selected by an operation section 112. A control section 121 starts the transfer of the data using an infrared communication section 105 at the time when to become a posture of a specific angle range continuously more than once. Since a predetermined melody comes out from a speaker 110 during the transfer of the data, it is possible to know that the transfer is carried out.
US08634862B2 Cross-architecture flight tracking system
A cross-architecture flight tracking system helps an individual keep track of the status of an airline flight. A subscriber receives status updates intelligently and in real time based on the individual's accessibility over an instant messaging client. The system facilitates the status updates by maintaining and listing the flight as a contact in the individual's instant messaging client contact list, processing status updates from the airline, and dynamically passing the status updates to the subscriber through a channel that will successfully deliver the message.
US08634861B2 Apparatus and methods for providing enhanced contact list information for mobile stations including mobile telephones
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for providing improved contact information to users of mobile stations such as, for example, cellular telephones and personal digital assistants with wireless telephony capability. In particular, the present invention displays the types of messages that a contact listed on a contact list of the mobile station can receive. In addition, the present invention provides methods and apparatus for updating this information. In one method for updating contact information, the mobile station contacts a database which stores information concerning what types of electronic messages that users of the wireless telecommunications network can receive; requests up-to-date information concerning at least one contact listed on the contact list; receives the up-to-date information, and then updates the information stored in the memory of the mobile station.
US08634860B2 Location determination using cached location area codes
Methods, program products, and systems for location determination using cached location area codes are described. A mobile device can store a set of location area codes (LACs) of a cellular communications network on the mobile device. Each LAC can represent a location area of the cellular communications network that encompasses at least a predetermined number of cells. Each LAC can be further associated with an estimated geographic area. The estimated geographic area can be defined as a circle centered at a location and having a radius representing an uncertainty of the location. The mobile device can determine a current LAC of the mobile device based on a wirelessly received signal. The mobile device can determine a current location of the mobile device by performing a lookup in the stored set of LACs using the current LAC.
US08634858B1 Location based status updates
A method is disclosed for updating an availability indicator of a user associated with a communications device. The method includes receiving a first location signal from a mobile device indicative of the location of the user and determining the user's position relative to the communications device based on the location signal. The availability indicator is updated to one of a first state or a second state based on the user's determined position. In one embodiment, the first state indicates that the user is available at the communications device, and the second state indicates that the user is away from the communications device.
US08634848B1 Inter-device location determinations
Electronic devices can identify other nearby devices, and determine the relative positions of those devices, using a combination of techniques. Various devices are able to project one or more instances of a unique identifier, such as a barcode, which can be imaged by other devices. The devices also can communicate position and/or orientation information over a wireless sideband channel. By combining the information relating to the projected identifier with information collected over the sideband channel, devices can automatically determine the location of various devices and associate a user or device identity with those devices. A user of a device then can view relative locations of those devices on a display element, including information about the user of the device. Further, the relative position determinations can enable a user to perform certain functions with respect to another device based at least in part upon the position and/or identity of that device.
US08634847B2 Communication system and a mobile station, proxy location server and method of operation for use in the system
A communication system (100) comprises a plurality of mobile stations (118, 124) each operable to communicate with other communication stations by a wireless link of a first kind, at least one location indicator (116) operable to detect by a wireless link of a second kind a location of at least one (118) of the mobile stations when the at least one mobile station is within a communication range of the location indicator, at least one proxy location server (110) operably coupled to at least one associated location indicator (116), and a location server (108) operable to communicate with the at least one proxy location server to receive a notification of the location of the at least one mobile station (118) when detected to be within communication range of the associated location indicator (116).
US08634844B2 Method in a wireless communication system
A method in a Central Node (CN), a method in a Remote Node (RN), and a method in a wireless communication system for allocating reference signals to be used for uplink transmission are disclosed. According to one aspect reference signals are allocated with a method comprising the steps of: determining in a CN a number of reference signals N to be used for uplink transmission by a Remote Node RN; indicating to the RN the number of reference signals N to be used for uplink transmission by the RN; configuring an uplink transmission by the RN with at most the number of reference signals N; and performing by the RN the uplink transmission with at most the number of reference signals N on transmit antennas comprised in the RN. The present disclosure further discloses a CN and a RN relating to the methods.
US08634843B2 Methods and apparatus for RF channel selection in a multi-frequency network
Methods and apparatus for RF channel selection in a multi-frequency network. A method includes identifying selected local operations infrastructures (LOIs) and their neighboring LOIs, generating a neighbor description message (NDM) that identifies the selected LOIs and their neighboring LOIs and associates a descrambling sequence identifier with each RF channel of the selected LOIs and their neighboring LOIs, and distributing the NDM over the selected LOIs. An apparatus includes a message decoder to receive an NDM that identifies RF channels of a first LOI and neighboring LOIs, and wherein each RF channel is associated with a descrambling sequence identifier, and processing logic to detect content acquisition failures, determine a list of RF channels and their associated LOIs that carry desired content, and select a selected RF channel that is associated with a selected LOI that carries the most additional content among the associated LOIs.
US08634842B2 Radio resource allocation in systems comprising relays
A method of allocating radio resources to communication links of a wireless communication system based on status parameters of each of the links, the communication system having a plurality of network nodes, a plurality of relays associated with the network nodes, and a terminal accessing the communication system. A first radio resource allocation may be determined by balancing the performance of a relay-to-network-node communication link of each relay against the performance of a corresponding terminal-to-relay communication link. A second allocation may be determined by balancing the performance of the relay-to-network-node communication link of each relay against the performance of a terminal-to-network-node communication link. A final allocation may be determined by calculating a weighted average value of the first and second allocations.
US08634841B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving feedback information for inter-cell cooperative transmission in wireless communication cellular system
A method for transmitting feedback information for cooperative transmission in a wireless communication cellular system comprises: receiving information on cells that can be cooperatively transmitted from a base station; determining cells that prefer the cooperative transmission among the cells that can be cooperatively transmitted; generating feedback information, which includes a preference cell indicator representing preferred cells and non-preferred cells for the cooperative transmission among the cells that can be cooperatively transmitted, precoding matrix information for the respective cell that can be cooperatively transmitted, phase information representing a phase correction value of each of the preferred cells for the cooperative transmission, and a channel quality indicator; and transmitting the feedback information through a control channel or a data channel. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving a report of implicative feedback information on code books that can be designed for the gain improvement of a high-level inter-cell cooperative transmission.
US08634837B2 Wireless terminal device, control method and control system
A cellular telephone device includes: a synchronization unit that establishes synchronization with a base station of a CDMA system beforehand to obtain synchronization information for establishing synchronization with the base station; a storage unit that stores the synchronization information; and a switching unit that establishes synchronization with a base station in a calling zone of the CDMA system corresponding to a calling zone of an LTE system based on the synchronization information, in a case in which a communication request occurs in the CDMA system in a state where a location registration is performed in the LTE system.
US08634836B2 Method and apparatus for detecting and measuring for Home Node-Bs
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) to detect and perform measurements with respect to Home Node-Bs (HNB) and Home evolved Node-Bs (H(e)NB) (collectively “HNB”). The methods may include generating and transmitting a request for a measurement configuration that may include gap allocations to detect and measure a primary scrambling code or a physical cell identity of a target HNB for at least one frequency or radio access technology (RAT). The request may be in response to the WTRU entering a HNB cell for which the WTRU has stored fingerprint information and whose closed subscriber group ID is in the WTRU's whitelist. The network may configure the WTRU to measure the requested frequency or RAT in response to the proximity report/request. Methods are described for releasing the measurement configuration.
US08634825B2 Controlling and mitigating dropped communications
Aspects relate to temporarily disabling a message or a set of messages based on the detection that an uplink transmission power is reaching maximum power or is at maximum power. The detection can be based on observing that one or more uplink transmissions are near, or at, the maximum power. The message or set of messages that are disabled can be a non-call critical message(s), such as a non-signaling radio bearer related message(s). Disabling the message or set of messages can conserve resources, which can be utilized for call critical messages, which can include signaling radio bearer related messages, call maintenance messages, voice communications, and so forth. Disabling the message or set of messages can also mitigate the chances of a call being disconnected due to power demands that exceed the maximum power available.
US08634822B2 Automatic identification of a vehicle driver based on driving behavior
A method and apparatus are disclosed that identify a motor vehicle operation and whether a driver is operating a mobile device. One example of operation may include a method that includes receiving vehicle data based on active operation of a vehicle and compiling a candidate driver identification profile (DIP) based on the received vehicle data. The method may also include comparing the candidate DIP to a pre-stored DIP and determining a match between the candidate DIP and the pre-stored DIP. The method may also include applying a restriction to a mobile station operated by a driver of the vehicle responsive to the match determination.
US08634816B2 Limiting mobile device services in an automobile
A method may include determining whether a mobile communication device is in a driver compartment of an automobile. The method may include determining whether the automobile is in motion or not in motion. Further, the method may include redirecting a call to the mobile communication device when the mobile communication device is in the driver compartment and the automobile is in motion.
US08634815B2 System and method for reflecting information from participants
An approach is provided for a method including initiating an information distribution session based on instructions from a first participant of a plurality of participants. The method also includes assigning access information and a passcode to the information distribution session, receiving posting information sent from two or more active participants of the plurality of participants using the access information with the passcode, and transmitting to the active participants the posting information of other active participants.
US08634809B1 Methods and apparatus for communicating messages between mobile communications devices and internet enabled devices
Methods and apparatus for allowing a mobile device user to forward one or more messages which are received on the user's mobile device, to a television or a set top box are described. The user is able to view the forwarded messages on the television and can also reply to such received messages from the television. The methods and apparatus may be implemented using a message forwarding application installed on a user's cell phone and a server responsible for forwarding messages and replies between the user's Internet capable TV or set top box and mobile telephone. To the party sending a message, replies appear to have originated from the user's cell phone making the use of the service transparent to individuals other than the user to which the message is sent. Message received and sent logs are maintained in the user's phone so the message record is complete.
US08634807B2 System and method for managing electronic groups
A method is provide that comprises detecting an incoming or outgoing call; and sending data to a paired device for displaying a plurality of elements associated with the call in a user interface on the paired device prior to connecting the call, the plurality of elements having been obtained from a plurality of sources accessible to the mobile device. Another method is provided, which comprises receiving data from the mobile device for displaying a plurality of elements associated with the call in a user interface on a paired device prior to connecting the call, the plurality of elements having been obtained from a plurality of sources accessible to the mobile device; and displaying the plurality of elements in a user interface on the paired device using the data received from the mobile device.
US08634804B2 Devices, systems and methods for location based billing
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to billing users of a telecommunication network. A billing server is in communication with a geo-fence database. The geo-fence database contains a plurality of geo-fences. Some geo-fences are associated with a single mobile communication devices, such as a home geo-fence, work geo-fence, etc., while other geo-fences are global, such as a stadium geo-fence, toll geo-fence, etc. When a mobile communication device enters the perimeter of a geo-fence, a billing server changes the billing rate at which connections are billed to the user account or bills another user account. The mobile communication device may send a ticket code to the billing server for a reduced billing rate while within a geo-fence. If a mobile communication device enters a toll geo-fence, then the billing server charges the user account for the toll.
US08634797B2 Emergency communication device
A mobile terminal configured for use in a mobile telecommunications network, the mobile terminal having an emergency notification facility and an identifier, the identifier usable by the network to recognize the mobile terminal as having the emergency notification facility and to change a system access priority for the terminal, where required. Preferably, the terminal also includes a sensing means configured to determine when the mobile terminal is in motion and/or associated with a vehicle and notify the network of such, in order to allow the network to change the system access priority based upon whether or not the terminal is in motion and/or associated with a vehicle. In this regard, mobile terminals with an emergency notification facility, particularly when moving or in a vehicle, are given a higher priority so that an emergency call can be quickly dispatched in the event of an accident.
US08634795B2 Packet routing methods and apparatus for use in a communication system
An access controller is coupled to an access point and receives data packets from connected user equipment. The access controller is configured to perform packet inspection techniques on the received packets to determine if they should be locally switched. In some embodiments, packets destined for a local intranet services may be locally switched to avoid congesting a core network link. In further embodiments, a local connection to the Internet may be used so that locally switched packets can also be directed to the Internet without the use of a core network link. In still further embodiment, in addition to packet inspection techniques, the access controller maintains a state table for the states of connected user equipment. The access controller may use the information in this table to further decide whether to perform local switching techniques.
US08634793B2 IP2 calibration measurement and signal generation
A radio frequency receiver on an integrated circuit (RFIC) includes an oscillator circuit, which generates a radio frequency (RF) oscillatory signal having a predetermined frequency that is outside of an intermediate frequency passband of the RFIC. An amplitude modulator modulates the RF oscillatory signal to produce an amplitude modulated signal which is applied to a mixer that downconverts the amplitude modulated signal. A calibration circuit receives the downconverted signal, including second order modulation (IM2) products, and, responsive to the IM2 products, generates a bias signal that is applied to the mixer to reduce the IM2 products.
US08634791B2 Mobile wireless communications device antenna assembly with floating director elements on flexible substrate and related methods
A mobile wireless communications device may include a portable housing, a circuit board carried by the portable housing and comprising a ground plane, and wireless communications circuitry carried by the circuit board. The device may also include an antenna assembly carried by the housing. The antenna assembly may include a flexible substrate, an electrically conductive antenna element on the flexible substrate and connected to the wireless communications circuitry and the ground plane, and at least one pair of floating, electrically conductive director elements on opposite sides of the flexible substrate for directing a beam pattern of the antenna element.
US08634789B2 Multi-mode power amplifier
A multi-mode power amplifier includes a high-power mode amplifier circuit, a mid-power mode amplifier circuit, and a low power amplifier circuit, where the low-power mode amplifier circuit comprises a plurality of independently selectable power cell/amplifier branches. The multi-mode power amplifiers selectively enable or disable amplifier branches to provide multiple levels of amplification. Selectively enabling certain of a plurality of split collector amplifier branches provides multiple low power and ultra-low power amplifier modes without the impedance mismatch or board layout problems associated with an RF switch.
US08634786B2 Receiver and integrated AM-FM/IQ demodulators for gigabit-rate data detection
Provision of gigabit-rate data transmission over wireless radio links, using carrier frequencies in the millimeter-wave range (>30 GHz). More specifically, a circuit for detection of amplitude-shift keyed (ASK) or other amplitude modulations (AM) which can be easily incorporated into an integrated circuit receiver system is described, making the receiver capable of supporting both complex IQ modulation schemes and simpler, non-coherent on-off or multiple-level keying signals. Several novel radio architectures are also described which, with the addition of a frequency discriminator network, have the capability of handling frequency shift keyed (FSK) or other frequency modulations (FM), as well as AM and complex IQ modulation schemes. These radio architectures support this wide variety of modulations by efficiently sharing detector hardware components. Disclosed herein are architecture for supporting both quadrature down-conversion and ASK/AM, ASK/AM detector circuit details, AM-FM detector architecture, and an AM-FM/IQ demodulator system and FSK/FM detector circuit details.
US08634785B2 Radio frequency (RF) signal multiplexing
In a radio frequency (RF) receiver, a receiver RF chain is tuned to a first (e.g., global positioning system (GPS)) channel to permit receipt of a first (e.g., GPS) signal over the first (e.g., GPS) channel on the receiver RF chain during a first time duration. The receiver RF chain is tuned to a second (e.g., cellular page) channel to permit receipt of a second (e.g., cellular page) signal over the second (e.g., cellular page) channel on the receiver RF chain during a second time duration, following the first time duration. The first (e.g., GPS) signal is processed during the first time duration and the second time duration, without any apparent interruption of the first (e.g., GPS) signal during the second time duration. The processing, for example, provides a bridge signal (e.g., an estimated GPS signal on the receiver RF chain) during the second time duration.
US08634784B2 Compact radiofrequency coupler
A compact and low-cost radiofrequency coupler, notably for the production of radiofrequency transmitters, includes a transmission line and a measuring line, the measuring line being coupled to the transmission line by the intermediary of windings, the transmission line, the measuring line and the windings being printed on a printed circuit board, upon which is fixed, by a clip-on technique, a binocular ferrite core that is essentially planar and E-shaped and whose central branch is disposed between the transmission line and the measuring line and whose distal branches are disposed in the central region of the planar windings.
US08634783B2 Communication device with reduced noise speech coding
A communication device includes memory, an input interface, a processing module, and a transmitter. The processing module receives a digital signal from the input interface, wherein the digital signal includes a desired digital signal component and an undesired digital signal component. The processing module identifies one of a plurality of codebooks based on the undesired digital signal component. The processing module then identifies a codebook entry from the one of the plurality of codebooks based on the desired digital signal component to produce a selected codebook entry. The processing module then generates a coded signal based on the selected codebook entry, wherein the coded signal includes a substantially unattenuated representation of the desired digital signal component and an attenuated representation of the undesired digital signal component. The transmitter converts the coded signal into an outbound signal in accordance with a signaling protocol and transmits it.
US08634780B2 Terminal, method, and wireless communication for power saving
Provided are a terminal for power saving, a power saving method of the terminal, and a wireless communication system for power saving. A receiving terminal may receive scheduling information associated with data transmission and reception of a transmitting terminal. The receiving terminal may directly communicate with the transmitting terminal by referring to the scheduling information.
US08634774B2 Communication device and control method thereof
A communication device which communicates with an external device, comprises: a communication unit configured to communicate with the external device; a control unit configured to set the mode of the communication device to one of a plurality of modes including a communication mode in which the communication unit communicates with the external device, wherein, in accordance that the communication unit completes receipt of data from a first external device in the communication mode, the control unit inquires of a user as to whether or not to transmit the received data to a second external device in a state in which the communication device has been set to the communication mode.
US08634772B2 Communications device, resonant circuit, and method of applying control voltage
A communications device includes a resonant antenna including a variable capacitance element having a dielectric unit formed of a ferroelectric material, and performing non-contact communications with the outside; and a control voltage generation unit generating a control voltage for controlling capacitance of the variable capacitance element, applying the generated control voltage to the dielectric unit of the variable capacitance element, and inverting an application direction of the control voltage applied to the dielectric unit at a predetermined rate.
US08634771B2 Simple peer-to-peer network formation
Wireless devices that support bootstrapping of a peer-to-peer connection. The wireless devices may use an infrastructure mode connection to exchange security information, such as a PIN, used in establishing the peer-to-peer connection. This security information may be encrypted in accordance with a security protocol used by the access point and then may be applied in a security protocol used to establish a peer-to-peer connection. Such a bootstrapping capability supports operating scenarios in which devices that are communicating over an infrastructure network encounter an operation that requires transfer of large amounts of data and automatically transition to a peer-to-peer connection that provides better performance. With these techniques, a computing device may automatically connect to a display device and stream audio/video data to the display.
US08634769B2 Data reception with interference cancellation in a relay communication network
Techniques for transmitting and receiving data in a relay communication network are described. Stations in the relay network may be grouped into multiple depths. Packets may be transmitted in a pipelined manner, with stations at progressively higher depth sending transmissions of a packet in successive frames. In an aspect, a station may receive data with interference cancellation. The station may obtain a received signal containing transmissions of a first packet from stations at a first depth and transmissions of a second packet from stations at a second depth. The first and second stations may be downstream and upstream stations, respectively, or may be upstream stations at different depths. The station may estimate and cancel interference due to the transmissions of the first packet from the received signal to obtain an interference canceled signal. The station may then process the interference canceled signal for the second packet.
US08634768B2 Redundant communication path for satellite communication data
According to one embodiment, a method for use in managing satellite communications includes: receiving, at a first earth-based gateway antenna system, one or more microwave communication signals from a substantially geostationary satellite; monitoring for a performance change in at least one signal from the satellite; and, in response to detecting a performance change in the at least one signal, transmitting instructions to the satellite to transmit at least a portion of the one or more microwave communication signals to a second earth-based gateway antenna system.
US08634765B2 Portable satellite data communication device and related method
A portable satellite data communication device that provides data communication capabilities to cellular only smartphone and similar device globally. The portable satellite data communication device is equipped with a short range wireless transceiver such as Bluetooth for communication with the smartphone and a satellite data transceiver for communication with the satellite. The device acts as network bridge between the smartphone and the satellite network. Using that device allows smartphone users to keep sending and receiving data messages like emails anywhere in the world even if there is no cellular coverage. The portable satellite data communication device also has built-in functionalities for monitoring the satellite signal and the arrival of new messages at the satellite gateway.
US08634763B2 Cooperative communications techniques
Techniques are disclosed involving communications between source and destination devices. Such communications may involve multiple cooperating devices that retransmit (e.g., simultaneously retransmit) transmissions sent by a source device. Thus, the delivery of transmissions from source devices to destination devices may involve two or more “hops” (e.g., a first “hop” comprising an initial transmission, and a second “hop” comprising two or more relay transmissions).
US08634762B2 Mobile communication devices with an analog frequency modulation (FM) receiver and recording capability
Methods and devices are provided for recording radio broadcasts received in an analog format at a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device receives analog radio broadcast signals and analog radio data system information signals corresponding to the analog radio broadcast signals. A radio application extracts radio data system information in response to users selecting a record operation, creates a file name from the extracted radio data system information, and stores radio content corresponding to the extracted radio data system information in response to the user selecting the record operation. The radio application further monitors the radio data system information for pre-defined criteria and sends alerts to the user upon detecting the pre-defined criteria. In response to selecting the record operation, the radio application further enables users to rewind the stored radio content by a pre-determined amount and append buffered radio content to a beginning of the stored radio content.
US08634757B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a double-side transport unit 80 capable of clearing a paper jam. The double-side transport unit 80 is provided with a reverse transport passage 75 provided with a reverse roller 57 for switching back paper P having an image formed on one side thereof, a return transport passage 76 for transporting the paper P turned upside down through the reverse transport passage 75 to an image forming portion 10, and a reverse introduction passage 74a extending from a downstream side, with respect to a branch transport passage 74, of the second transport roller 56 that is disposed close to the reverse transport passage 75, to the reverse transport passage 75. The double-side transport unit 80 can be taken out of or put in an apparatus main body 1a in a direction perpendicular to a paper transport direction.
US08634755B2 Cleaning unit, image carrier unit, and image forming apparatus
A cleaning unit includes: a cleaning member that cleans the surface of the image carrier; a cleaning container that stores developer removed by the cleaning member; a cleaning support that is formed by bending a plate and includes a cleaning-supporting portion supporting the other end portion of the cleaning member and a supported portion angled with respect to the cleaning-supporting portion by bending; a supporting-portion-of-support that includes a facing portion facing the supported portion, is provided at the cleaning container, and supports the cleaning support; a damping member that is disposed between the supported portion and the facing portion, is formed so as to be elastically deformable, and regulates vibration of the cleaning member; and a securing member that secures the cleaning support to the supporting-portion-of-support at a position adjacent to the damping member.
US08634753B2 Image forming apparatus operable in modes using a fixing device with/without a glossing device
An image forming apparatus includes a transparent image forming device for forming a transparent toner image on a sheet with a transparent toner in an amount per unit area; a manual selector for selecting an image area in which the transparent toner image is to be formed and for selecting the amount per unit area; a heating device for heating the transparent toner image formed on the sheet; a glossing device for processing the transparent toner image formed on the sheet so that glossiness is higher than that by the heating device; a mode selector for selecting a first mode in which the glossing device is not used and a second mode in which the glossing device is used; and a controlling device for controlling the amount per unit area of the transparent toner in the image area so as to be not less than a predetermined amount in the second mode.
US08634750B2 Cam driving mechanism, and belt transporting apparatus and image forming apparatus therewith
A cam driving mechanism has: a cam; a motor which drives the cam; a gear train which transmits, while reducing the speed of, the output of the motor to the cam; a pulse disk which is formed integrally with a gear coupled in the gear train and in which a plurality of slits are formed at equal intervals; a home position detecting member which is arranged coaxially with the pulse disk so as to be rotatable independently thereof and which, by meshing with another gear coupled in the gear train, rotates at a lower rotation speed than the pulse disk; and a cam position detecting sensor which has a detecting portion including a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion, the cam position detecting sensor detecting the amount of driving of the cam based on the number of slits of the pulse disk that have passed through the detecting portion, the cam position detecting sensor detecting the home position of the cam based on the timing with which the home position detecting member shields the detecting portion.
US08634747B2 Systems and methods for remanufacturing imaging components
A drive gear for a generally cylindrical imaging component. The drive gear includes a body for engaging the generally cylindrical imaging component; a cylindrical shaft attached to the body, the cylindrical shaft having an end surface; and three prongs extending longitudinally outward from the end surface.
US08634746B2 Photosensitive drum cartridge and image forming apparatus
A photosensitive drum cartridge and an image forming apparatus including the photosensitive drum cartridge are provided. The photosensitive drum cartridge includes: a photosensitive drum; a primary cleaning roller which is configured to contact a surface of the photosensitive drum to remove an attached matter on the surface of the photosensitive drum; a first gear which is configured to rotate together with the photosensitive drum; a second gear which is configured to rotate together with the primary cleaning roller; and a third gear which is configured to mesh with the first gear and the second gear, and which has a rotation axis, a position of which is fixed such that a distance from a rotation axis of the first gear is constant.
US08634743B2 Detachable body and image forming apparatus
In an image forming apparatus defined herein, in case the opening/closing member is rotationally moved from the opened position toward the normal position, when the detachable body main unit is at a restricted position between the attached position and the separated position, the restricting portion is contacted with the restricted portion to be moved between the opening/closing member and the detachable body main unit, so as to restrict a rotational movement of the opening/closing member to the normal position, and, when the detachable body main unit is at the attached position, the restricting portion and the restricted portion that is being rotated are separated from each other to enable the opening/closing member to be rotationally moved to the normal position, and, in case the opening/closing member is moved to the normal position, the restricted portion is housed in a space between the detachable body main unit and the opening/closing member.
US08634741B2 Laser printer cleaning cartridge device and method
A cleaning cartridge insert is provided for removing residual paper debris and toner from a laser printer in between printer cartridge removal and replacement. The cartridge comprises a modified laser printer cartridge with an internal cavity lined with an adhesive foam tape, a plurality of air inlet tubes and a drive roller having an adhesive outer surface. With the lid of the printer cartridge loading cavity is in an open state, the cartridge is placed therein into a working position, as would a replacement cartridge. Compressed air is then forced into the nozzles of the air inlet tubes, stirring paper dust, residual toner and debris from the interior of the printer and onto the foam tape adhesive within the cavity of the cartridge device. The lid is then closed, which initiates the drive roller for cleaning debris from the bias transfer roller via rotation during the machine initializing stage. The present invention is intended as a preventative maintenance device for laser printers, prolonging their useful life and the increasing service intervals wherein a specialist is required for maintenance and cleaning.
US08634735B2 Image forming apparatus and control method thereof
An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming part which picks up a recording medium at a predetermined pickup timing and forms an image at a predetermined printing speed; and a controller which accelerates the timing for picking up the recording medium in advance of the predetermined pickup timing, and which lowers the printing speed so as to allow the printing operation to take place at a lower fusing temperature during warming up from a cold start in order to shorten the first print output time (FPOT).
US08634734B2 Power supply circuit for supplying power to electronic device such as image forming apparatus
A voltage conversion unit converts alternating current voltage generated by an alternating current voltage generation unit into a predetermined output voltage. An adjustment unit monitors the output voltage and adjusts a driving pattern for driving the alternating current voltage generation unit in accordance with a waveform distortion generated in a rectangular wave of the output voltage. The driving pattern is a pattern having, in a half cycle of the rectangular wave of the alternating current voltage, a first ON period during which the alternating current voltage is applied to the voltage conversion unit, an OFF period during which the alternating current voltage is not applied to the voltage conversion unit, and a second ON period during which the alternating current voltage is applied to the voltage conversion unit. The adjustment unit adjusts a ratio of the first ON period, the OFF period, and the second ON.
US08634729B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming system with winding detection
An image forming apparatus includes: a sheet conveyance section having a sheet storing member to store sheets that have been aligned in a prescribed placing direction, which conveys a sheet stored in the sheet storing member; an image forming section having an image carrier, which forms an image on the image carrier; an image transfer section which transfers the image formed on the image carrier onto a sheet conveyed by the sheet conveyance section; a winding detection section which detects whether or not the sheet conveyed by the sheet conveyance section is wound around the image carrier; and a controller which controls to instruct an operator to conduct a change operation of the placing direction of the sheets stored in the sheet storing member based on a sheet winding detection signal outputted from the winding detection section.
US08634725B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting data using visible light communication
A transmitting apparatus using visible light communication generates a light source control signal from color information representing additional information and transmits additional information with a color of light that is emitted by a light source by controlling an on/off time of a plurality of LEDs according to the light source control signal. Therefore, a user can intuitively know additional information from a color of light that is emitted by the light source.
US08634721B2 Method, system, and apparatus for optical communication
An optical communication method includes outputting an optical data signal in which a signal amplitude of a non-data area that is an area other than a data area is made higher than a signal amplitude of the data area, to a predetermined receiver, receiving an optical input including the optical data signal with the predetermined receiver, detecting each of the signal amplitude of the non-data area and the signal amplitude of the data area of the optical input, creating a threshold for encoding the data area based on the signal amplitude of the data area, determining whether the optical data signal is received, based on the signal amplitude of the non-data area, and outputting a data signal in which the data area is encoded by using the threshold of the optical data signal, when it is determined that the optical data signal is received.
US08634718B2 Polarization control in a photonic integrated circuit
The present invention provides a system, apparatus and method to maintain the polarization state of an optical signal propagating within a photonic integrated circuit, or from a first photonic integrated circuit to a second photonic integrated circuit. According to various embodiments of the invention, an optical circuit is provided which includes an optical coupler configured to accept a first optical signal on a first input and a second optical signal on a second input, the second optical signal having a polarization state. The optical coupler may combine the first and second optical signals into an optical output signal. A principle axis of a first end of an optical fiber is may be configured to align with the polarization state of the second optical signal, such that a polarization maintaining connection is established. The polarization state may be a TM polarization state, a TE polarization state, or another polarization state. The optical circuit may include birefringent structures, such as birefringent waveguides and birefringent wavelength selective couplers, to further maintain the polarization of optical signals propagating through the photonic integrated circuits.
US08634716B2 Data transmission network
A data transmission network comprising: a base comprising: a base light source and a base light detector; a plurality of nodes, each node comprising a node light source and a node light detector; and a plurality of optical fibers arranged to form a optical fiber network. Each optical fiber is arranged to receive light from the base light source, transmit the light received from the base light source to one or more of the node light detectors via an air gap, receive light from one or more of the node light sources via an air gap, and transmit the light received from the node light source(s) towards the base light detector.
US08634715B2 System and method for demand aggregation in optical networks employing shared ring protection
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for demand aggregation is provided. The method may include routing demands in a ring network such that a length for each routed demand does not exceed a route length maximum, and a load imbalance at each node in the ring network is minimized. The method may also include maximizing optical line card sharing by assigning routed demands sharing common ends to the same wavelength.
US08634713B2 Fibre monitoring in optical networks
A method of monitoring (200) an optical fiber comprises modulating (210) an optical signal with a traffic signal; modulating (220) the optical signal with an incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry, IOFDR, test signal; transmitting (230) the doubly modulated optical signal onto an optical fiber at a first end of the fiber; detecting (240) scattered radiation output from the first end of the fiber; and analyzing (250) the detected scattered radiation using incoherent optical frequency domain reflectometry to determine a distance to a break in the optical fiber. Apparatus suitable for carrying out the method is also described, as well as an optical communications network employing the method.
US08634705B2 Methods and apparatus for indexing and archiving encoded audio/video data
Archival storage and retrieval of audio/video information is described. Audio and/or video information is digitized, compressed and stored in an intermediate archive format (IAF), which preserves the content at a high-enough quality for subsequent retrieval and conversion into various formats required at the time of use or distribution. A single capture operation is performed with ancillary metadata being added to facilitate subsequent searching, indexing and format conversion. Captured data content is catalogued and indexed at or subsequent to the creation of an IAF file that includes the archived information. The IAF includes a family of audio-video digital encoding formats based on public standards. The encoding format used in any particular application is determined at encoding time from information provided by the archive system user. At encoding, the particular encoding scheme is selected to optimize a tradeoff between storage constraints and end use quality requirements.
US08634699B2 Information signal processing method and apparatus, and computer program product
An information signal processing method is provided which is to be used for special playback operations to make summary (digest) playback of image/voice data signals of a broadcast program. The method includes the steps of detecting a voice level or predetermined voice characteristic of each predetermined section from a predetermined image/voice information signal or an image/voice information signal resulted from predetermined band compression of the predetermined image/voice information signal and processing the voice signal as a predetermined segment section correspondingly to the result of detection and a predetermined set value; extracting predetermined characteristic data of each section of an image signal from the image/voice information signal and generating predetermined characteristic data indicative of an image feature of the predetermined section from the characteristic data; segmenting the image/voice information signal correspondingly to the image characteristic data, a signal resulted from segmentation of the voice and a predetermined time length or section length setting data; and recording a predetermined voice characteristic signal extracted from the voice signal on the basis of a segment of the image/voice information signal and the image feature data into a predetermined recording medium or predetermined data memory.
US08634697B2 Sound signal control device and method
A sound signal control device includes a change determining unit to determine a change of a reproduction speed of input data containing a moving picture signal and a sound signal; a changeover detecting unit to detect, as a changeover timing, a period in which a degree of coincidence of a moving picture is equal to or larger than a predetermined value when the change determining unit determines the change to a different reproduction speed during the reproduction; a reproducing unit to reproduce a sound and the moving picture based on the input data and, when the change determining unit determines the change of the reproduction speed, changing over the reproduction speed at the changeover timing; and a sound control unit to mute a sound output based on the sound signal at the changeover timing.
US08634693B2 Recording apparatus, recording status detection method, program delivery and recording system, and program
A recording apparatus includes: a guide information obtaining section to obtain guide information of a program scheduled to be delivered; a series information obtaining section to obtain series information for specifying a plurality of programs belonging to a series; a program data obtaining section to obtain data of the programs; a program data storage section capable of storing the data of the programs; a program data recording section to store the data of the programs obtained by the program data obtaining section in the program data storage section; a recording history storage section to store information about the programs whose data is stored in the program data storage section, as recording history information; and a detection section to detect a recording status of at least one program belonging to the series intended to be recorded based on the guide information, the series information, and the recording history information.
US08634690B2 Subsea penetrator and method for producing such
The present invention relates to a subsea fibre-optic penetrator comprising a plurality of through-going optical fibres (1) and a metallic main body (3) with at least one through bore (31). According to the invention the optical fibres (1) are affixed in the main body (3) by cast glass material (2). The invention also relates to a method for providing a subsea penetrator with a plurality of through-going fibres.
US08634688B2 Housing for an optical fiber cable assembly
The present invention relates to a housing, in particular for an optical fiber assembly with improved sealing characteristics comprising an housing upper body (38) and an housing lower body (2), upper and lower sealing pads (32; 42) made of a gel sealing material, each of said pads (32; 34) being received in a trough (12, 46) provided by the housing upper and lower body (2; 38), respectively, wherein between said upper and lower pads (38; 48) are adapted to seal an element (78), which can be introduced into said housing, wherein at least one of said pads (42) is held by a retaining device (44) which is elastically supported against one of said housing bodies (38) by means of a spring element (47) and wherein the other of said housing bodies and/or said retaining device (44) provides a contoured abutment surface (26; 70) for the assigned pad (32; 42).
US08634682B1 Alignment tolerant optical interconnect devices
In one configuration of the present teachings, compliant mountings are used to allow for point-to-point optical data pipe (PP-ODP) operation over wide temperature ranges. In another configuration, a long finite conjugate imager is replaced by to infinite conjugate imagers, which allows for enhanced thermal expansion tolerances. Sleeves may be used to further ruggedize the interconnect and to provide further protection from contamination. In addition, long-range capability spanning multiple boards can be achieved by the pres set of ODP configurations of these teachings that utilize edge-mounted ODP modules in PP-ODP, BB-ODP, and ODP Bus forms.
US08634679B2 Tunable optical filter
Consistent with the present disclosure an optical filter is provided that preferably includes a plurality of looped or ring-shaped waveguides provided on a substrate which are coupled to one another by tunable couplers. Portions of each waveguide constitute part of each tunable coupler, which may include, for example, a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. A heater may be thermally coupled to one or both arms of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer, to thereby adjust an amount of optical coupling between adjacent looped waveguides. The filter bandwidth (i.e., the spectral width of the passband), which, as noted above, is related to such coupling, can thus also be tuned or varied. Additional heaters may be provided to tune the center wavelength of the passband so that a filter having both a variable passband spectral width and center wavelength can be obtained.
US08634677B2 PACS optimization techniques
Some embodiments provide a method and system for efficiently transferring medical images. Some embodiments receive a medical image in a first platform dependent format of a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). The first platform dependent format is one that is accessible by a first format compliant device that includes a library that specifies how to decode the first format. Some embodiments transform the medical image from the first format to a second format. The second format includes decoded content of the first format that is viewable on a first format non-compliant device. The transformed image is then passed to the device for viewing. Additionally, some embodiments efficiently transfer medical images by identifying image settings for one or more devices and by passing requested images that are optimized by resizing the images according to the image settings of the requesting device.
US08634676B2 Object estimation device, method and program
Efficient and accurate estimation of the position and size of an object is achieved. Convolution of an image with a smoothing filter is repeated to generate a plurality of smoothed images L(x, y, σi) of different scales. Then, a differential image G(x, y, σi) between each pair of the smoothed images L(x, y, σi) of scales σi and σi×2 is generated. Then, a combined image AP is generated by combining the differential images G(x, y, σi), and a position estimating unit estimates the position of the object based on the combined image AP.
US08634674B2 Dynamic sizing and positioning of multiple images
A method of arranging images provides for automated scaling, positioning and organizing of a plurality of images on an image display, which may be transferred to a printed or electronic product design. A plurality of images are analyzed to produce image data. Display parameters determine permissible arrangement of the images. Based on the image data and the display parameters, an arrangement on the image display for each of the plurality of images is defined. The arrangement may be further defined to maximize at least one dimension of the images.
US08634668B2 Method of compression of digital images using a fixed number of bits per block
A method of compression of digital images using a fixed number of bits per block is described. Intra-coding is used for lossless compression of digital images. The image is partitioned into blocks with the same size. The encoder generates a fixed and predetermined number of bits for each block. The encoding process includes gamma conversion applied to the input image to generate data. Additional stages include prediction, quantization, DPCM, entropy coding and refinement.
US08634666B2 Apparatus for determining motion vectors and a reference picture index for a current block in a picture to be decoded
In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a decoder. The decoder is configured to obtain first and second motion vectors of a block other than the current block. The other block neighbors the current block at one of a left, top and top right position. The decoder is configured to determine first and second motion vectors of the current block using the first and second motion vectors of the other block such that the first motion vector of the current block has a same direction as the first motion vector of the other block and the second motion vector of the current block has a same direction as the second motion vector of the other block.
US08634665B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
This invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method for improving the processing capacity per unit time in encoding and decoding images.A coefficient line sorting portion 104 sorts coefficient lines into an order which is different from that of wavelet inverse transform process as well as from that of transmission and in which the coefficient lines are sorted for an encoding process of which the degree of difficulty of encoding can be estimated by a rate control portion 109 at the earliest possible time. An encoded line sorting portion 108 sorts encoded lines into an order which is different from that of wavelet inverse transform process and in which the encoded lines are transmitted with improved resistance to the instability of the available transmission rate. This invention can be applied to image processing apparatus, for example.
US08634660B2 Event classification method using lit candle detection
A method for determining an event classification for digital images, comprising: receiving one or more digital images; detecting one or more lit candles within the one or more digital images; using a data processor to automatically determine an event classification responsive to analyzing a spatial arrangement of the detected lit candles in the one or more digital images; and storing metadata in a processor-accessible memory associating the determined event classification with each of the one or more digital images.
US08634657B2 Image processing device and computer-program product of image evaluation
An image processing device includes: a first arithmetic operation unit that individually calculates an evaluation value based upon first factors, in correspondence to each of a plurality of images included in an image batch input thereto; an exclusion unit that executes exclusion processing based upon calculation results provided by the first arithmetic operation unit so as to exclude an image, the calculation results for which satisfy a predetermined condition, from the image batch; a second arithmetic operation unit that individually calculates an evaluation value based upon second factors, which include a factor different from the first factors, in correspondence to each image in the image batch having undergone the exclusion processing; and an evaluation processing unit that ranks individual images in the image batch having undergone the exclusion processing based upon calculation results provided by the second arithmetic operation unit.
US08634656B2 Recognizing objects by utilizing dictionary data and probability data determined by machine learning
An information processing apparatus acquires registration image data related to an object and input image data related to an object, and matches the acquired registration image data related to the object and each of a plurality of object dictionary data items stored in a storage device. Based on the matching result, the information processing apparatus selects an object dictionary data item relevant to the object related to the registration image data from the plurality of object dictionary data items, and matches the acquired input image data related to the object and the selected object dictionary data item. Based on the matching result, the information processing apparatus determines the object related to the input image data. Based on the determination result, the information processing apparatus updates the selected object dictionary data item. Thus, object recognition is easily and highly accurately performed.
US08634655B2 Key blank identification system with bitting analysis
A key identification system is provided. The key identification system comprises a sensing device configured to extract bitting information from a master key, and a logic configured to analyze the image. The sensing device may be configured to capture information about the bittings of the master key, such as an image of the bittings. The logic analyzes information about the bittings of the master key and compares it with bitting characteristics of known key blanks to determine the likelihood of a match between the master key and a known key blank.
US08634651B2 Methods and apparatus for locating target patterns in an image
Methods and apparatus for efficiently locating QR code finder patterns and/or code QR alignment patterns in an image are described.
US08634650B2 Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, image reading apparatus, and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes an image area extracting section for identifying and extracting, on the basis of inputted image data, an image area within the document where an image is present. The image area extracting section includes an image area detecting section for comparing a pixel value of each part of an image of the inputted image data with a threshold value so as to detect, as the image area, an area where a pixel value is larger than the threshold value. The image area extracting section further includes a judging section for judging a type of the inputted image data, and a threshold value changing section for changing the threshold value used in the image area detecting section to one suitable for the type of the inputted image data in accordance with the type judged by the judging section.
US08634647B2 Informational data indicative of a possible non-imaged portion of a region of interest
Described embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product. A described system includes a feature-detection circuit that extracts a perceivable feature included in each digital image of a plurality of digital images. Each digital image includes a respective portion of a region of interest of a surface. A feature-matching circuit determines a substantial correspondence between (x) a perceivable feature included in a border region segment of a selected digital image and (y) at least one perceivable feature included in each digital image of the plurality of digital images other than the selected digital image. A data collection circuit gathers the determined substantial correspondences for the perceivable feature included in the border region segment of the selected digital image. A reporting circuit outputs informational data indicative of a possible non-imaged portion of the region of interest of the surface.
US08634642B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method and program
An image processing apparatus capable of performing chromatic aberration of magnification and noise reduction without decrease in processing performance and increase in the cost is provided. A format conversion circuit in the image processing apparatus converts first image data including an array of color components of red (R), green (G1 and G2), and blue (B) into second image data including the color components of R and B and a luminance component by performing false color suppression processing on the first image data separately using the color components of G1 and G2, and stores the data in an image buffer region. A circuit for correcting chromatic aberration of magnification reads the second data stored in the image buffer region and performs the correction of chromatic aberration of magnification.
US08634639B2 Zero pass JPEG bit rate controller
Embodiments are directed towards compressing an image to substantially a preset file size using statistical information obtained from a single subset of the image and an initial compression of the single subset. A representative subset portion of the image is selected based in part on a clustering analysis of the image. The representative subset is then compressed, in one embodiment, twice, in order to obtain statistics useable for the entire image. A scale factor is then determined that may be used in the quantization and for creating a Bit Rate Control (BRC) curve that represents an amount of accumulated bits per Minimal Codec Unit (MCU). During the compression process, the BRC curve is used to prevent accumulating bits from over shooting a final preset file size target.
US08634637B2 Method and apparatus for reducing the memory requirement for determining disparity values for at least two stereoscopically recorded images
A method and an apparatus reduce the temporary random access memory required when determining disparity values for at least two stereoscopically recorded images with known epipolar geometry, in which a disparity is determined for each pixel of an image. Path-dependent dissimilarity costs are calculated on the basis of a disparity-dependent cost function, and compared, in two runs for a number of paths which open in the pixel. The disparity-dependent cost function evaluates a pixel-based dissimilarity measure between the pixel and the corresponding pixel, according to the respective disparity, in a second image. The path-dependent dissimilarity costs for a first predetermined set of disparities are calculated in a first run for a number of first paths and in a second run for a number of remaining paths, and the corresponding path-dependent dissimilarity costs of the first paths and of the remaining paths are accumulated for a second predetermined set of disparities.
US08634632B2 Paper sheet management system, paper sheet recognition apparatus, paper sheet management apparatus, paper sheet management method and paper sheet management program
A paper sheet recognition apparatus, a paper sheet management apparatus, and paper sheet recognition method for performing recognition process for the paper sheets such as banknotes, checks, bills and exchange coupons, wherein image data of the paper sheets are acquired, and identification data that is printed on the paper sheets to identify the paper sheets uniquely are extracted in accordance with the acquired image data, while managing the identification information extracted correspondingly to the registration numbers marked on the paper sheets and the acquired image data, thereby allowing to precisely identify whether or not the paper sheets are judged to be legitimate bills by the paper sheets recognition apparatus.
US08634631B2 Odontological imaging apparatus
A dental CT apparatus includes a control system arranged to move a radiation source and an imaging sensor on the opposite sides of an imaging station. The control system includes at least a first imaging mode designed for imaging patients and means for selecting at least one second imaging mode in which the source of radiation and the imaging sensor are driven during an exposure at an angular velocity of less than 4 degrees/second. A digital three dimensional models of teeth are generated based on imaging impressions or models of teeth by a CT apparatus provided with at least one specific imaging mode for the purpose.
US08634629B2 Estimating risk of future bone fracture utilizing three-dimensional bone density model
A novel approach for analyzing a patient's body part of interest to assess bone strength and/or risk of future fracture includes obtaining a priori information regarding the body part of interest, performing X-ray absorptiometric scans of the patient's body part of interest and collecting X-ray absorptiometry data from the scans, constructing a three-dimensional model of the patient's body part of interest, by utilizing the a priori information along with the X-ray absorptiometric data, and performing measurements of various geometric parameters on the three-dimensional model for determining geometric and structural properties.
US08634625B2 Method for the reduction of image artifacts, in particular of metal artifacts, in CT image data
A method is disclosed for the reduction of image artifacts, in particular metal artifacts, during the generation of computed tomography image data of an object. In at least one embodiment of the method, two CT image data sets are generated with different medium x-ray energies. By way of a weighted combination of the two CT image data sets, a new image data set is calculated. The weighting factor employed in the weighted combination is here selected in such a way that the image artifacts in the new CT image data set are significantly reduced compared with the image artifacts in the two original CT image data sets. In this way it is possible in a simple manner significantly to reduce in particular metal artifacts in CT images.
US08634623B2 Correction of artifacts in time-of-flight MR angiography
In a method and magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus for correction of artifacts in time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography, MR signals are acquired in a target volume with the TOF MR angiography technique to generate multiple MR angiography images, pixels with background signal are identified in the angiography images by separation of these pixels from noise and vessel pixels, a signal profile of the pixels with background signal is determined across the target volume, and the MR signal of a predetermined set of pixels of the target volume is normalized with the signal profile of the pixels with background signal.
US08634621B2 Method and apparatus for obtaining panoramic images
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for obtaining panoramic images in which cervical effect is corrected in such a manner that the uniform contrast is shown. According to the apparatus and the method, the method comprises the steps of: obtaining a preceding frame image by irradiating radiation on one certain section of an image layer trace on which the tooth trace of a subject is embodied; calculating a gray scale average value of pixels that are included within a predetermined reference region of the preceding frame image; comparing the calculated gray scale average value with a gray scale reference value that is calculated from a prepared sample image, and generating a radiation correction value corresponding to a difference value therebetween; and obtaining a succeeding frame image by irradiating strength-adjusted radiation on one section that is adjacent to the other section of an unknown layer trace, according to the calculated radiation correction value.
US08634619B2 Medical image diagnosis apparatus and image processing apparatus and method
An image generating unit generates a medical image. A deciding unit detects a reaching time at which a contrast agent has reached a predetermined region of the medical image. The deciding unit sets a color map in which the reaching time is associated with a hue based on a first inflow time corresponding to a first designation region set to the medical image and a second inflow time corresponding to a second designation region. A generating unit generates a hue conversion image in which a hue is allocated to each region of the medical image based on the color map and the reaching time in each region of the medical image. A control unit displays the hue conversion image through a monitor.
US08634617B2 Methods for determining meniscal size and shape and for devising treatment
The present invention relates to methods for determining meniscal size and shape for use in designing therapies for the treatment of various joint diseases. The invention uses an image of a joint that is processed for analysis. Analysis can include, for example, generating a thickness map, a cartilage curve, or a point cloud. This information is used to determine the extent of the cartilage defect or damage and to design an appropriate therapy, including, for example, an implant. Adjustments to the designed therapy are made to account for the materials used.
US08634606B2 Method and system for binarization of biometric data
Embodiments of the invention disclose a system and a method for transforming a biometric of a user to a binary feature vector suitable for user authentication, comprising steps of: partitioning the biometric into a set of regions, wherein each region is a contiguous region confining a part of the biometric; determining, for each region, biometric parameters; applying, to each region, binary logical conditions to produce at least one bit of the binary feature vector, wherein the applying is performed by a processer; and outputting the binary feature vector.
US08634604B2 Method and system for enhanced image alignment
Provided is a method for analyzing image slices. The method includes extracting first and second sub-slices from first and second image slices, respectively, and computing a shift between the first and second image slices based on the first and second sub-slices. The first and second sub-slices overlap.Also provided is a system for analyzing image slices. The system includes an extraction module configured to extract first and second sub-slices from first and second image slices, respectively, and a shift computation module configured to compute a shift between the first and second image slices based on the first and second sub-slices of the extracted sub-slices.
US08634603B2 Automatic media sharing via shutter click
A computer-implemented method for automatically sharing media between users is provided. A first image is received depicting a scene with one or more persons. Face detection information is identified for each person in the first image. Identification information for each face detected is obtained without user intervention. The face detection information and the identification information are associated with the first image. The first image including the associated face detection information and identification information is sent to a server hosting a media sharing service. An access link to an event group is received. The event group includes an album of the first image and a first collection of images that share a set of common features with the first image.
US08634599B2 Methods and systems of authentication
A method of authentication is provided that includes capturing palm biometric data from an individual, transmitting the biometric data to an authentication system, and generating an authentication biometric template from the captured biometric data with the authentication system. Moreover, the method includes conducting a plurality of verification matching transactions between the authentication biometric template and enrollment biometric templates stored in the authentication system, and between the authentication biometric template and imposter biometric templates stored in the authentication system. Furthermore, the method includes updating a genuine matching score distribution with at least one genuine matching score, updating an imposter matching score distribution with at least one imposter matching score, and calculating a maximum genuine matching score and a minimum imposter matching score. Additionally, the method includes confirming an identity of the individual when the minimum imposter matching score is greater than the maximum genuine matching score.
US08634595B2 Method for dynamically setting environmental boundary in image and method for instantly determining human activity
The present invention provides a method for dynamically setting an environmental boundary in an image and a method for instantly determining human activity according to the method for dynamically setting the environmental boundary. The method for instantly determining human activity includes the steps of retrieving at least an initial environmental image with a predetermined angle, and calculating a boundary setting equation of an object and an environmental boundary in the initial environmental image; retrieving a dynamic environmental image having the object by using a movable platform, and figuring out a new environmental boundary; determining a human image in the dynamic environmental image, recording retention time of the human image, and determining a human posture; and determining human location according to the environmental boundary in the dynamic environmental image and the human image, and instantly determining the human activity.
US08634592B2 System and method for predicting object location
A system for predicting object location includes a video capture system for capturing a plurality of video frames, each of the video frames having a first area, an object isolation element for locating an object in each of the plurality of video frames, the object being located at a first actual position in a first video frame and being located at a second actual position in a second video frame, and a trajectory calculation element configured to analyze the first actual position and the second actual position to determine an object trajectory, the object trajectory comprising past trajectory and predicted future trajectory, wherein the predicted future trajectory is used to determine a second area in a subsequent video frame in which to search for the object, wherein the second area is different in size than the first area.
US08634590B2 Image processing device and storage medium storing image processing program
There is provided an image processing device that includes a processor configured to execute instructions that cause the processor to provide functional units including: a setting unit that sets a plurality of extraction target ranges in a motion image configured of a plurality of frame images that are chronologically in succession with one another, each extraction target range being configured of a group of frame images that are selected from among the plurality of frame images constituting the motion image and that are chronologically in succession with one another, and the plurality of extraction target ranges being set such that there is no common frame image shared among the extraction target ranges; a selecting unit that selects a representative frame image from among the group of frame images in an extraction target range, the representative frame image being such a frame image whose difference from another representative frame image is the largest among differences of the frame images belonging to the extraction target range from the another representative frame image, the another representative frame image being selected from one of the extraction target ranges that is positioned chronologically adjacent to the extraction target range from which the representative frame image is selected; and a layout image generating unit that generates a layout image in which the selected representative frame images are laid out in such a pattern that indicates a chronological relationship among the representative frame images.
US08634588B2 Automated mail inserting
The present invention relates to a method for verifying the match of envelopes and documents in an automated matched mail system, by for a first envelope and a first document, scanning a face of the envelope and extracting envelope-addressee data indicative of the human-readable addressee information on the envelope; scanning the document so as to extract document data indicative of the content of the document; searching through the document data to locate a match to the envelope-addressee data and designating an area of interest within the document at the location at which the match occurs; for a further envelope and a further document, scanning a face of the envelope and extracting envelope-addressee data indicative of the human-readable addressee information on the envelope; scanning the document so as to extract document-addressee data at a location within the document corresponding to said designated area of interest and comparing the envelope-addressee data and the document-addressee data so as to verify the match of the further envelope and further document.
US08634586B2 Ceiling-mounted loudspeaker enclosure
A ceiling-mounted loudspeaker includes a horn-shaped enclosure, an acoustic driver, and a front module. The tubular or horn-shaped enclosure carries a slanted woofer or loudspeaker driver which radiates into an angled or slanted first opening. The tubular enclosure terminates at bottom in a second, circular opening substantially parallel to a second plane, wherein the woofer's slanted plane is inclined with respect to the second plane. The slanted woofer can be oval and radiates sound through the enclosure's interior lumen and outwardly through ports defined in a substantially circular baffle carrying the front module and connected to the second opening. The baffle carries a midrange and tweeter near the ceiling where they can provide enhanced sound dispersion.
US08634583B2 Device and method for applying a vibration signal to a human skull bone
Hearing losses caused by deficiencies in a person's outer or middle ear may be compensated for by converting received sounds to vibrations and transmitting the vibrations to the skull bone (2). Bone-conduction hearing devices (27) may transmit such vibrations transcutaneously or percutaneously. In both cases, a precise determination of the magnitude of the vibrations applied to the skull bone (2) is needed for determining the person's bone-conduction hearing thresholds as well as for calibrating the hearing devices (27). The present invention provides a device (1, 27, 37) and a method, which allow determination of the applied vibrational force with better precision than prior art devices and methods. This is achieved by placing an accelerometer (21) on the countermass (11) of the vibrator (1) that generates the vibration signal. The accelerometer (21) thus provides an acceleration signal representative of an acceleration of the countermass (11), from which acceleration signal the vibrational force may be determined precisely and reproducibly.
US08634579B2 Thermoacoustic device
A thermoacoustic device includes a sound wave generator and a signal input device. The sound wave generator includes a graphene layer. The graphene layer includes at least one graphene. The signal input device inputs signals to the sound wave generator.
US08634577B2 Audio decoder
An audio decoder (100) comprising: effect means, decoding means, and rendering means. The effect means (500) generate modified down-mix audio signals from received down-mix audio signals. Said received down-mix audio signals comprise a down-mix of a plurality of audio objects. Said modified down-mix audio signals are obtained by applying effects to estimated audio signals corresponding to audio objects comprised in said received down-mix audio signals. Said estimated audio signals are derived from the received down-mix audio signals based on received parametric data. Said received parametric data comprise a plurality of object parameters for each of the plurality of audio objects. Said modified down-mix audio signals based on a type of the applied effect are decoded by decoding means or rendered by rendering means or combined with the output of rendering means. The decoding means (300) are arranged for decoding the audio objects from the down-mix audio signals or the modified down-mix audio signals based on the parametric data. The rendering means (400) are arranged for generating at least one output audio signal from the decoded audio objects.
US08634575B2 System for elimination of acoustic feedback
A method and system is provided for eliminating acoustical feedback in a system. The method determines a parameter for at least one notch filter, adjusting the notch filter based on the parameter, processing the digital signals through the notch filter, testing at the effect of the notch filter in the system, and removing the notch filter if the notch filter is not effective. Also disclosed is a method and system of selecting candidate frequencies which might be feedback, as opposed to other wanted sound frequencies. The selection method sampling the digital signals, converting the time domain digital signal samples by a fast Fourier transform algorithm into the frequency domain, using a ballistics approach to find prominences in the frequency spectrum, and testing the sizes of the prominences.
US08634571B2 Active type acoustic control system
In an acoustic control system an operation range of an active type noise control device (an ANC device) and an operation range of an active type effect sound control device (an ASC device) are exchanged in accordance with the number of working cylinders of an engine.
US08634568B2 Efficient filter for artificial ambience
A circuit, method, and system for producing artificial ambience effect for an input audio signal, mono, stereo, or surround. The ambience effect enhances artificial reverberation, replaces artificial reverberation, or synthesizes extra audio channels, such as surround channels. The circuit may include a transient reduction module and a reverberation filter. The transient reduction module may be adapted to reduce transients in an input audio signal of one or more channels. The reverberation filter maybe adapted to receive a transient-reduced signal of one or more channels corresponding to the transient-reduced signal.
US08634560B1 Time-based secure key synchronization
A server device initiates a traffic encapsulation key (TEK) re-key sequence for a group virtual private network (VPN), based on an upcoming expiration time for an existing TEK. The server device sends, via a push message during a first time period immediately after the initiating, a new TEK to members of the group VPN. The server device receives, during a second time period that immediately follows the first time period, a pull request, for the new TEK, from one of the members of the group VPN, and sends, to the one of the members, the new TEK, where the re-key sequence transitions all the members of the group VPN from the existing TEK key to the new TEK key before the expiration time for the existing TEK.
US08634559B2 Aggregate signature schemes
An authenticated RFID system is provided that uses elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) to reduce the signature size and read/write times when compared to traditional public key implementations such as RSA. Either ECDSA or ECPVS can be used to reduce the signature size and ECPVS can be used to hide a portion of the RFID tag that contains sensitive product identifying information. As a result, smaller tags can be used or multiple signatures can be written at different stages in a manufacturing or supply chain. A key management system is used to distribute the verification keys and aggregate signature schemes are also provided for adding multiple signatures to the RFID tags, for example in a supply chain.
US08634554B2 Method to enforce by a management center the access rules for a broadcast product
A method to enforce by a management center access rules for a broadcast product accessed by an access key, the management center managing a plurality of Boolean positive and negative attributes, comprising the steps: associating one positive Boolean attribute to a receiver entitled to the attribute and loading the same; associating one negative Boolean attribute to a receiver not entitled to the attribute and loading the same; defining at least a second broadcast encryption scheme for the negative Boolean attributes and associating each negative Boolean attribute corresponding decryption key material; expressing access conditions on a product as a Boolean expression by combining at least one positive Boolean attribute and at least one negative Boolean attribute by at least one Boolean conjunction or disjunction; generating and broadcasting at least one cryptogram to a receiver, encrypting the access key with the two combined broadcast encryption schemes according to the Boolean expression.
US08634551B2 Cryptographic apparatus and method
This cryptographic apparatus executes calculations according to an FI function including a first non-linear function S9 and a second non-linear function S7, and includes a ROM recording a first table including, for each input X of 9 bits, a value obtained by exclusively ORing a first value and an first output from the function S9 with respect to the input X, wherein the first value is generated by shifting lower 7 bits in the first output to left by 9 bits, and a second table including, for each input Y of 7 bits, a value obtained by exclusively ORing a second value and the input Y, wherein the second value is generated by shifting a result of an exclusive OR of the input Y and a second output from the function S7 with respect to the input Y to left by 9 bits.
US08634550B2 Architecture and instruction set for implementing advanced encryption standard (AES)
A flexible aes instruction for a general purpose processor is provided that performs aes encryption or decryption using n rounds, where n includes the standard aes set of rounds {10, 12, 14}. A parameter is provided to allow the type of aes round to be selected, that is, whether it is a “last round”. In addition to standard aes, the flexible aes instruction allows an AES-like cipher with 20 rounds to be specified or a “one round” pass.
US08634547B2 Echo canceller operative in response to fluctuation on echo path
In a telephone device, a near-end signal processor delays each input near-end signal delivered from the respective microphones by a delay amount, and synthesizes the input near-end signals into a synthesized near-end signal. In an echo canceller, mounted on board the telephone device, a far-end signal is delayed by the same delay amounts as used in the near-end signal processor to form plural delayed far-end signals, which are synthesized into a synthesized far-end signal, with which the echo component in the synthesized near-end signal will be suppressed.
US08634541B2 Work assignment deferment during periods of agent surplus
A contact center is described along with various methods and mechanisms for administering the same. The contact center proposed herein provides the ability to, among other things, support deferring work item routing decisions for a predetermined amount of time even when agents that are technically qualified to handle the work item are available. The deferment of work item routing decisions helps to achieve better matching and, therefore, increases contact center efficiency even though decisions are delayed.
US08634540B1 Systems and methods for providing telephone prompts to a client based on web site activities of the client
Activities performed by a client at a site of an organization are monitored and stored in an activity database. A call is thereafter received from the client at a telephone system of the organization, which performs an identification of the client. The identification is provided to a cross-channel router as a request for a prediction on where the call from the client should be routed, and the router indexes into the activity database based on the identification of the client to obtain the monitored activity of the client. The router employs predicting rules and the obtained activity to generate a prediction of client needs, and returns the generated prediction to the telephone-based system, which presents prioritized telephone prompts to the client according to the returned prediction to help in routing the call.
US08634538B2 Method and apparatus for handling a telephone call
A system for handling a telephone call within a telephone network, comprising a multi-tenanted CTI server within a telecommunications network adapted to receive telephone calls on behalf of a plurality of outlets, wherein the CTI server is adapted for queuing an incoming call in the network when no agent is available and is further adapted to forward an incoming call to an agent when the agent becomes available. The CTI server is configured to use an indicia received with the received call to identify the caller and to retrieve a profile from a cloud-based CRM system of the caller by matching the indicia to a previously-stored indicia in a call history database, the profile comprising at least a plurality of previous orders processed by an outlet on behalf of the caller, the profile being used to provide priority call handling for certain callers.
US08634535B2 Communication system
A method of transmitting a communication event from a calling entity to a called entity located in a communication system comprising a first network and a second network, said method comprising determining a first identity associated with the calling entity and a first and second identity associated with the called entity, wherein the first identities are recognizable in the first network and the second identity is recognizable in the second network; associating at a first node located in the second network the first identities with the second identity; establishing a connection between the calling entity and a second node; wherein the connection with second node is established using the first identity associated with the called entity; querying the first node with the first identity associated with the called entity and the first identity associated with the calling entity to determine the second identity associated with the called entity; and transmitting the communication event to the called entity using the second identity associated with the called entity.
US08634534B1 Call recovery
A system for call recovery, according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a first device, a second device, a switch and a failover device. The first device, second device and failover device are communicatively coupled to the switch. The switch has a first communicative connection with a first device and a second communicative connection with a second device. The first and second communicative connections form a call between the first and second devices. The switch determines a recovery rule for the call and identifies the failover device based on the recover rule. The switch determines a call failure event during the call between the second device and the first device. The failover device builds a new communicative connection to the switch so that the failover device is communicatively coupled to the switch responsive to the call failure event, and connected on a call with the second device.
US08634533B2 Directed notifications
A computer-implemented method includes receiving a notification at a network server and directing the notification to a particular address of a plurality of addresses that are associated with a customer premises. The method further includes identifying one or more customer premises equipment (CPE) devices that are designated to receive notifications directed to the particular address based on a directed notification profile that is associated with the customer premises. The directed notification profile may be stored at a lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) database that is accessible to the network server. The method further includes communicating the notification from the network server to the one or more identified CPE devices.
US08634532B2 Method for establishing and managing a connection of a mobile communication terminal to a private branch exchange
The invention relates to an internal communication terminal (iK1, iK2, iK3) of a private branch exchange (PBX), having at least one device (E11, . . . , E32), by means of the activation (act) of which said internal communication terminal (iK) or the private branch exchange (PBX) is put into a state in which said internal communication terminal or the private branch exchange identifies the telephone number of an incoming call from an external communication terminal (eK). The identified telephone number of the external communication terminal is then associated with the internal communication terminal in a database (DB), provided that the type of the association of said external communication terminal with said internal communication terminal connected with the activation of said device is not yet entered in the database. Otherwise, said association is deleted.
US08634531B2 Systems and methods for reestablishing a call in a telecommunications network
A call server includes a network interface for connecting the call server to a packet-based network within a telecommunications network. The call server establishes a first connection with a calling party terminal and a second connection with a called party terminal via the packet-based network. The call server then joins the first connection with the second connection to establish communication between the calling party terminal and the called party terminal. The call server may park the second connection when the first connection is terminated or vice-versa and establish a new connection with the calling party terminal via the packet-based network if the first connection was terminated or vice versa. The call server may join the new connection with the first or second connection to reestablish communication between the calling party terminal and the called party terminal.
US08634526B2 Advertising-effectiveness determination method, advertising-effectiveness determination system, and advertising-effectiveness determination program
An advertising-effectiveness determination method includes receiving a call made based on identification information provided to an information-providing medium in association with advertisement information. The call is connected to a call receiver indicated by the identification information. Input information input into a calling equipment of the call receiver and sent from the calling equipment is received. An effectiveness of the advertisement information is determined based on the received input information.
US08634522B2 Method and system for the mass sending of messages
The present publication discloses a method and system for sending messages in a telecommunications network (1, 2, 6, 11, 12), in which method digital messages (40) which contain information on the desired reply address (32) are mass sent (3), and messages, which are sent on the basis of the reply-address information (32) are received (10). According to the invention, the reply-address information of each mass-sent message (40) is converted (3) to correspond to a predefined dialogue, in which the stage of the dialogue defines unequivocally the reply-address information (32), so that the transmission and reception of the messages are implemented in different parts of the telecommunications system (1, 2, 6, 11, 12).
US08634519B2 Selecting a message greeting for an unavailable party based upon contextual data associated with a contacting party
A message greeting system receives a notification that a party is unavailable in response to a communication initiated by a contacting party. In response to receiving the notification, the message greeting system acquires contextual data associated with the contacting party, determines a message greeting that is appropriate for the contacting party based upon the contextual data, acquires the appropriate message greeting, and sends the appropriate message greeting to a contacting party device associated with the contacting party. The appropriate message greeting includes a message greeting that is usable by the contacting party given a context in which the contacting party is involved as identified by the contextual data. In some embodiments, the message greeting system acquires the appropriate message greeting by adapting an inappropriate message greeting for the context in which the contacting party is involved, thereby creating the appropriate message greeting.
US08634518B2 Method and device for a data processing and communication system comprising such device
A method and a device are provided for data processing, including the steps of transmitting a first signal from a first instance to a second instance and sending a second signal from a third instance to the first instance, wherein the second signal corresponds at least partially to the first signal as received at the third instance.
US08634515B2 Method and apparatus for obtaining panoramic image
A method of obtaining a panoramic image and an apparatus for the same are disclosed. In particular, a method of obtaining a panorama image and an apparatus for the same capable of obtaining a more clear panoramic image with reproducibility by extracting best-focused-images in case of forming images of multiple image-layer-trace images are disclosed. In accordance with the method and the device of this invention for obtaining the panoramic image, it is possible to complete the optimal image-layer-trace to be reconstructed and to obtain a clear panoramic image which vividly shows an arch of a patient by reconstructing a panoramic image for an optimal image-layer-trace most closely related to a focus-trace.
US08634512B2 Two point modulation digital phase locked loop
A two point modulation digital phase locked loop circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes a sampling clock input that is switchable between a plurality of frequencies. The circuit also includes a sigma-delta modulator in a feedback path that receives low-pass modulation data. The circuit also includes a voltage-mode digital-to-analog converter (VDAC) that receives high-pass modulation data. The circuit also includes an analog voltage controlled oscillator coupled to the feedback path and the output of the VDAC. The circuit also includes a phase-to-digital converter (PDC) coupled to the feedback path, the sampling clock and a loop filter.
US08634507B2 Receiver having an adaptive filter and method of optimizing the filter
A receiver comprises an adaptive filter having an input for a digitized input signal, means for storing a pre-designed filter characteristic, means for analyzing a digital. representation of the input signal to determine a desired position of the filter characteristic to match the system requirements, and means for adapting the stored pre-designed filter characteristic in the frequency domain and/or the time domain to match the system requirements and for transforming the adapted filter characteristic to the time domain to update coefficients for the adaptive filter and for loading updated coefficients into adaptive filter. The updating of the coefficients may be done periodically. The adaptation may be one or more of adjusting bandwidth, frequency shift and, in the case of a bandpass characteristic, superimposing characteristics.
US08634505B2 Method and apparatus for channel and noise estimation
A technique for performing channel and noise estimation for a MIMO transmission sent from multiple transmit antennas to multiple receive antennas is described. Samples are obtained from multiple receive antennas for a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission sent from multiple transmit antennas. Channel estimates are derived by correlating the samples with at least one pilot sequence. Signal, noise and interference statistics are also estimated based on a cross product of the samples. Equalizer weights are derived. The correlating includes multiplying a sample vector for a chip period and a complex conjugated pilot chip for the chip period offset by a delay.
US08634501B2 Carrier selection for multiple antennas
A method and apparatus is disclosed to process a received single stream communication signal and/or a multiple stream communication. A communications receiver is configured to receive the received communication signal. A communications receiver determines whether the received communication signal includes a single stream communication signal or a multiple stream communication signal. The communications receiver determines whether a received communication signal complies with a known single stream communications standard. The communications receiver determines whether the received communication signal complies with a known multiple stream communications standard. The communications receiver decodes the received communication signal according to the known single stream communications standard upon determining the received communication includes the signal single stream communication signal. The communications receiver decodes the received communication signal according to the known multiple stream communications standard upon determining the received communication includes the multiple stream communication signal.
US08634499B2 Method and apparatus for performing blind signal separation in an OFDM MIMO system
A method and apparatus for performing blind signal separation in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system are disclosed. A transmitter generates a plurality of spatial streams of data and transmits the spatial streams via a plurality of transmit antennas. A receiver receives the transmitted spatial data streams with a plurality of receive antennas and generates a plurality of receive data streams. The receiver performs a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) on each of the receive data streams to generate a plurality of frequency domain data streams. The receiver then performs a blind signal separation on the frequency domain data streams to recover spatial streams transmitted by the transmitter. The blind signal separation may be performed by using an independent component analysis (ICA) in the complex domain. The blind signal separation may be performed individually for each OFDM subcarrier.
US08634495B2 System, method and apparatus for mobile transmit diversity using symmetric phase difference
Communication is performed for a first communication device having a set of antenna elements. A quality-indication signal is received from a second communication device (e.g., a basestation). A complex weighting is calculated based on the quality-indication signal. A pre-transmission signal is modified based on the complex transmit diversity weighting to produce a set of modified-pre-transmission signals, wherein the modifications are symmetric by making approximately half the magnitude of the transmit diversity modification to one signal in a first direction, and approximately half the magnitude of the transmit diversity modification to the other signal in a second direction, opposite the first direction. Each modified pre-transmission signal from the set of modified-pre-transmission signals is uniquely associated with an antenna element from the set of antenna elements. The set of modified-pre-transmission signals is sent from the set of antenna elements to produce a transmitted signal.
US08634489B1 Systems for selecting a modulation coding scheme
A computer-readable memory tangibly stores a plurality of instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to determine an indication of modulation constrained capacity of a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication channel. The indication of modulation constrained capacity corresponds to one modulation scheme from a plurality of modulation schemes. The instructions also cause the one or more processors to compare the indication of modulation constrained capacity corresponding to the one modulation scheme to a threshold corresponding to the one modulation scheme, and to select a modulation scheme from the plurality of modulation schemes based on the comparison of the indication of modulation constrained capacity to the threshold.
US08634488B2 Data transmission method and apparatus based on joint space division multiple access technology in collaborative downlink MIMO system
A channel condition information feedback method and apparatus are provided for a collaborative wireless communication network using a multiple input multiple output antenna system. The apparatus includes a downlink channel estimator that estimates channels of adjacent base stations, groups base stations from among the adjacent base stations that are capable of collaborative communication, and obtains a maximum singular vector to base stations belonged to a same group; and a vector selector which selects a weight vector most accurately representing the maximum singular vector and a complex variable most accurately representing the maximum singular vector in combination with the weight vector.
US08634482B2 High power radio device communication parameter configuration and methods using limited configuration power
Radio devices such as long range radio devices configurable with a limited, configuration only power that is insufficient for normal operation of the radio are disclosed. Portable, limited power supplies allow effective configuration of radio devices at remote locations in the field. Methods of configuring radio devices are likewise disclosed.
US08634479B2 Decoding a video signal using in-loop filter
A method of processing a video signal is disclosed. The present invention includes receiving prediction information of a macroblock and filter information, predicting a current picture using the prediction information of the macroblock, and applying a filter using the predicted current picture and the filter information.Accordingly, accuracy of prediction can be enhanced by applying a filter to a frame predicted before a residual for a predicted frame is coded. As the residual is reduced, efficiency of video signal processing can be enhanced.
US08634478B2 Linear time code receiver
An Linear Time Code (LTC) receiver for receiving and decoding a LTC frame of the type used in connection with film and television and accompanying audio includes a first counter that measures the number of reference clock periods within the duration of a bi-phase mark signal interval to yield a timing reference for extracting the payload from the LTC frame. A second counter detects a sync field within the LTC frame to establish the LTC frame direction. A third counter serves to count the number of symbols in the LTC frame. A state machine responsive to the counts of the first, second and third counters, serves to (a) detect a valid synchronization sequence within an incoming LTC frame; (b) determine the LTC frame direction, (c) decode (extract) payload information from the LTC frame; and (d) transfer the payload information in an order determined by the LTC frame direction.
US08634472B2 Image information encoding method and encoder, and image information decoding method and decoder
An image decoding method includes decoding encoded image data to generate a decoded image signal including a luma signal and a chroma signal. The method further includes scaling, when a reference field has a different parity from a current field for motion compensation and when the decoded image signal is in a format in which the number of chroma pixels is vertically different from the number of luma pixels, a chroma motion vector of the chroma signal according to an accuracy for a luma motion vector of the luma signal so that a reference frame will coincide in phase of the chroma signal with a current frame. The method also includes performing motion compensation of the decoded image signal using the scaled chroma motion vector according to the accuracy of the luma motion vector of the luma signal.
US08634471B2 Moving image encoding apparatus, control method thereof and computer-readable storage medium
The present invention enables searching for an appropriate motion vector even with respect to a moving image with a large amount of motion. Further, the present invention enables searching for an appropriate motion vector even with respect to a moving image including an object that does not uniformly move in a frame image. One aspect of embodiments of the present invention relates to a moving image encoding apparatus configured to divide an input image into a plurality of blocks, and to perform predictive encoding using motion compensation for each of the plurality of blocks, the moving image encoding apparatus.
US08634468B2 Method of decoding a current image block
In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining reference picture information, and determining at least one reference picture of the current image block from the reference picture information. The reference picture information indicates a reference picture type of the reference picture. The reference picture type is based on temporal distance between a current picture including the current image block and the reference picture. At least one motion vector of the current image block is obtained according to the reference picture type. This obtaining step includes obtaining a motion vector of a co-located image block, and generating the motion vector of the current image block based on the motion vector of the co-located image block and the reference picture type. The current image block is decoded by motion-estimating the current image block using the motion vector of current image block.
US08634467B2 Flexible Wyner-Ziv video frame coding
Efficient encoding and/or decoding of digital video is provided using multiple candidate reference frames, making playback of the digital video optionally reversible. For example, a source can be encoded as duplex coded frames having multiple candidate reference frames. The reference frames can be previous or future frames, and the duplex coded frames can be encoded at a bit-rate that ensures lossless decoding using any of the candidate reference frames. Therefore, the duplex coded frames can encoded in normal and/or reverse temporal order. In this regard, the ability to decode digital video frames using either a single previous or future frame enables reversible digital video, bit-stream switching and video splicing arbitrary time points, and provides for increased error resilience.
US08634465B2 Method and apparatus for encoding video in consideration of scanning order of coding units having hierarchical structure, and method and apparatus for decoding video in consideration of scanning order of coding units having hierarchical structure
A method and apparatus for decoding a video and a method and apparatus for encoding a video are provided. The method for decoding the video includes: receiving and parsing a bitstream of an encoded video; extracting, from the bitstream, encoded image data of a current picture of the encoded video assigned to a maximum coding unit, and information about a coded depth and an encoding mode according to the maximum coding unit; and decoding the encoded image data for the maximum coding unit based on the information about the coded depth and the encoding mode for the maximum coding unit, in consideration of a raster scanning order for the maximum coding unit and a zigzag scanning order for coding units of the maximum coding unit according to depths.
US08634464B2 Video compression and encoding method
Disclosed herein is a method for decoding a video signal having at least one frame with a plurality of blocks including a current block, including generating, for at least a selected pixel in the current block, a predicted value for at least one pixel located in a row i and a column j of the current block using a processor and according to the following equation: Xij=Li+Aj−C; wherein Xij is the predicted value, Li is the value of a pixel to the left of the current block, Aj is the value of a pixel in a row above the current block and C is the value of a pixel in the row above and the column to the left of the current block and decoding the current block using the predicted value.
US08634461B2 Method and apparatus for coding image information, method and apparatus for decoding image information, method and apparatus for coding and decoding image information, and system of coding and transmitting image information
An image decoding apparatus for decoding a bit stream includes a decoding unit that decodes the bit stream and generates a chroma component of quantized coefficients. The image decoding apparatus also includes a dequantization unit that performs a dequantization on the chroma component of quantized coefficients using a chroma quantization parameter calculated on the basis of a luma quantization parameter weighted by an addition operation. Further, the image decoding apparatus includes a transform unit that performs an inverse orthogonal transform.
US08634458B2 Image processing apparatus
This invention provides an apparatus capable of optimal code amount control corresponding to an input source. The apparatus includes a first input unit which inputs the first moving image data, a second input unit which inputs the second moving image data, a selection unit which selects one of the first and second moving image data, a coding unit which encodes the first or second moving image data selected by the selection unit, a recording unit which records encoded moving image data output from the coding unit on a recording medium, a code amount control unit which controls the generated code amount of the encoded moving image data output from the coding unit, and a change unit which changes the control procedure of the code amount control unit in accordance with the selection result of the selection unit.
US08634457B2 Determining availability of video data units
An apparatus performs efficient coding techniques to more efficiently determine an availability of neighboring video data units determined for the current video data unit. The apparatus comprises an availability determination unit that maintains an availability counter. The availability determination unit determination unit increments the availability counter after each of the plurality of video data units are processed and determines, based on the availability counter, whether one or more of the plurality of video data units (i) have been previously processed and (ii) are available for use as neighboring video data units in the processing of a current one of the plurality of video data units video data units. The apparatus further processes the current video data unit based on the determination of whether one or more of the neighboring video data units are available.
US08634456B2 Video coding with large macroblocks
Techniques are described for encoding and decoding digital video data using macroblocks that are larger than the macroblocks prescribed by conventional video encoding and decoding standards. For example, the techniques include encoding and decoding a video stream using macroblocks comprising greater than 16×16 pixels, for example, 64×64 pixels. In one example, an apparatus includes a video encoder configured to encode a video block having a size of more than 16×16 pixels, generate block-type syntax information that indicates the size of the block, and generate a coded block pattern value for the encoded block, wherein the coded block pattern value indicates whether the encoded block includes at least one non-zero coefficient. The encoder may set the coded block pattern value to zero when the encoded block does not include at least one non-zero coefficient or set the coded block pattern value to one when the encoded block includes a non-zero coefficient.
US08634446B2 Frequency level detecting method
A frequency level detecting method includes counting pulses of a spread-spectrum clock, the spread-spectrum clock having a frequency that is modulated within a frequency range from a minimum frequency to a maximum frequency in a constant modulation period of time, the frequency range being divided into a plurality of sub-ranges each corresponding to one of a plurality of frequency levels; determining at least one to-be-counted value range corresponding to one of the plurality of sub-ranges; judging whether or not the counted pulses fall within one of the at least one to-be-counted value range; and generating a level detection signal if the counted pulses fall within the one of the at least one to-be-counted value range, the level detection signal indicating that a frequency of the spread-spectrum clock falls within one of the plurality of frequency levels that corresponds to one of the plurality of sub-ranges corresponding to the one of the at least one to-be-counted value range.
US08634441B2 Master oscillator, laser system, and laser light generation method
A master oscillator may include: a pumping laser that outputs pumping light; a seed laser that is oscillated by the pumping light; an amplifier that amplifies the pulsed laser light outputted by the seed laser using the pumping light; at least one optical shutter disposed in the optical path between the seed laser and the amplifier; and a controller that causes the pumping laser to oscillate continuously at a predetermined repetition rate and that controls the optical shutter to open and close.
US08634440B2 Time-division multiplexing processing circuitry
An integrated circuit including multiple instances of identical processing circuitry may be modelled within a field programmable gate array integrated circuit by second processing circuitry connected via a multiplexer to first processing circuitry and operating at a multiple of the clock frequency of the first processing circuitry. Demultiplexing circuitry is used to reform the multiple outputs of the respective separate instances to be fed back to the first processing circuitry.
US08634438B2 Wireless communication systems with femto nodes
Systems and methods for performing a handoff of an access terminal from a macro node to a femto node are disclosed. To direct handoff of the access terminal, an identity of the femto node is determined. A femto node provided may be identified by at least a difference between the offset of a first pilot signal and the offset of a second pilot signal.
US08634436B2 Method and apparatus for statistical multiplexing
There is provided a method of statistically multiplexing a plurality of input video data streams into at least one output data stream having a pre-determined capacity, comprising providing a plurality of bit rate estimates at different quality levels for each input video data stream using a look-ahead encoder, summing together the bit rate estimates of the same quality level for all input video data streams, determining the picture quality of each input video data stream at which the summed bit rate estimates is equal to or less than the output data stream pre-determined capacity. There is also provided an apparatus and system for carrying out the method, and a computer readable product carrying instructions which when executed carry out the method.
US08634435B2 Short term policy creation and execution of policy executed between communication events of a radio access technology within a coexistence manager hardware/software implementation
A method of wireless communication includes partitioning coexistence tasks between short term policy setting tasks and policy implementing tasks, processing the short term policy setting tasks using a first set of computing resources, and processing the policy implementing tasks using a second set of computing resources. The first set may be software resources configured for slower execution of tasks and the second set may be hardware resources configured for just-in-time execution of tasks. The policy may determine a time after which a first radio event is not to be interrupted and granting or denying later events based on whether they would begin before or after the do-not-interrupt time. The do-not-interrupt time may be based on a weighted priority of the first radio event.
US08634432B2 System and method for subcarrier allocation in a multicarrier wireless network
A base station for use in an OFDM network capable of communicating with a plurality of subscriber stations in a coverage area of the OFDM network. The base station transmits to a first subscriber station in a first subband of subcarriers from a first transmit antenna and transmits to the first subscriber station in a second subband of subcarriers from a second transmit antenna. The first and second subbands comprise different subcarriers. The base station also transmits to a second subscriber station in the first subband of subcarriers from the second transmit antenna and transmits to the second subscriber station in the second subband of subcarriers from the first transmit antenna.
US08634430B2 Multicast transmissions in optical burst transport
Multicast transmission in an optical network includes receiving a primary token at a root node of the optical network authorizing the point-to-multipoint data transmission from the root node to a plurality of branch nodes of the optical network. It is determined whether the root node comprises a virtual output queue associated specifically with the branch nodes included on the point-to-multipoint transmission. The virtual output queue is created that is associated specifically with the branch nodes included in the point-to-multipoint transmission if it is determined the root node does not comprise such a queue. The data is placed in the virtual output queue for transmission to the branch nodes. A control message is transmitted to each branch node identifying the point-to-multipoint data transmission, and the control message facilitates creation of a virtual output queue at the branch nodes associated specifically with any other branch nodes that are to receive the data transmission via the branch node at which the virtual output queue is created. The data is transmitted to a first one of the branch nodes.
US08634424B2 Methods and apparatus for efficient providing of scheduling information
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate efficiently providing scheduling information from an access terminal to a base station to enable effectuating scheduling decisions. Access terminals may transmit scheduling information in bifurcated requests. For instance, coarse scheduling information may be transferred utilizing a dedicated out-of-band channel, and fine scheduling information may be transmitted over an in-band channel.
US08634421B2 Network monitor and control method thereof
A network monitor is provided that permits a user to work using only the network monitor without a computer to display an image on the network monitor so that the user's convenience is improved.
US08634410B2 System and method of providing multimedia communication services
In a particular embodiment, a method of providing multimedia communication services includes receiving, at an intelligent service switch (ISS) of an integrated wireline-wireless (IWW) network, a service request from a wireline communication device. The method includes receiving contextual information associated with the service request, the contextual information including a time of the service request, a range of times of the service request, a day of the service request, a range of days of the service request, a date of the service request, a range of dates of the service request, a location of the wireline communication device, a type of the wireline communication device, or a combination thereof. At least one multimedia communication service is provided to the wireline communication device. The at least one multimedia communication service includes audio entertainment content, news content, weather content, traffic content, securities market content, sports content, financial content, local business location content, local event schedule content, network address book content, calendar content, appointment content, map content, call log content, or a combination thereof.
US08634409B2 System and method for coordinating between multiple telephony channels
A system comprising: an IP telephony interface communicatively coupled to an IP telephony service; a secondary telephony interface communicatively coupled to a secondary telephony service; and a telephone connection module to select between the IP telephony service and the secondary telephone service based on one or more specified telephony connection conditions.
US08634407B2 Core services platform for wireless voice, data and messaging network services
A system and method for managing wireless devices in a wireless network that performs operations comprising: receiving a request to determine at least one offer related to a quota for a wireless device from a charging gateway of the wireless network during a packet data session established between the wireless device and the wireless network; retrieving contextual information associated with the wireless device from a database of the wireless network; determining a plurality of offers including the at least one offer for the wireless device based on the contextual information; transmitting the plurality of offers to the wireless device; receiving a confirmation that the wireless device has selected the at least one offer from the wireless device; and transmitting the confirmation of the selection of the at least one offer to the charging gateway during the packet data session.
US08634406B2 Systems and methods for network routing using virtual network node locations
Systems and methods for routing packets using node virtual locations are disclosed. Such a virtual location may be determined, for example, by determining a geographic location that is central to other nodes with which the node can communicate. In certain embodiments, a node's virtual location may more accurately represent an approximate center point of a node's communication range. In one exemplary embodiment, a node's virtual location is an average of the geographic locations of radio nodes with which the node is in communication.
US08634397B2 Allocation of uplink resources
A wireless telecommunications system with mobile terminals, MSs and a Base Station, BS, through which traffic to and from the MSs in a cell, is routed, so that there can be Down Link, DL, traffic from the BS of a cell to the MSs in that cell, and Up Link, UL, traffic from those MSs to the BS. At least part of the UL traffic is contention based, and DL data to an MS must be acknowledged by the MS. The method comprises letting the BS detect MSs in the cell whose DL traffic rate exceeds a certain limit, and also comprises a mechanism for allocating to said detected MSs an UL bandwidth which enables them to acknowledge DL traffic within a certain time period from its reception by the MS.
US08634394B1 Mechanism to verify packet data network support for internet protocol mobility
An access router includes a wireless network interface, an address assignment module, and an availability module. The wireless network interface establishes a wireless link with a wireless terminal. The address assignment module determines a list of packet data networks for use by the wireless terminal. The availability module determines a mobile internet protocol availability for each packet data network in the list of packet data networks and generates an availability signal based on each mobile internet protocol availability. The address assignment module transmits an address assignment message that includes the availability signal to the wireless terminal.
US08634385B2 Method and apparatus for supporting multiple reference signals in OFDMA communication systems
Methods and apparatuses are described for a Node B to transmit Reference Signals (RS) from multiple antennas to enable User Equipments (UEs) to perform demodulation of received information signals and to estimate Channel Quality Indication (CQI) metrics. To minimize overhead and enable backward compatible operation with legacy systems, RS from a first set of Node B antennas are transmitted in every transmission time interval and substantially over the whole operating BandWidth (BW). RS from a second set of Node B antennas serving for CQI estimation are periodically transmitted, substantially over the whole operating BW, with transmission period informed to UEs through broadcast signaling by the Node B and starting transmission sub-frame determined from the identity of the cell served by the Node B. RS from the second set of antennas, and new RS from the first set of antennas, serving for demodulation of information signals have substantially the same BW as the information signals which can be smaller than the operating BW.
US08634384B2 Efficient determination of a link performance parameter
The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for determining a link performance parameter, such as a supplemental channel characteristic of a wireless link. In one aspect, a base station receives packets from a client station. The base station determines a link performance parameter based on an error rate associated with reception of the packets. The base station then uses the link performance parameter to determine a modulation and coding scheme for use in transmitting packets to the client station. Related systems, apparatus and methods are also described.
US08634380B2 Inter-network handover system and method
There is described a method of facilitating handover of a user device between a source base station component in a first communications network of a first network type and a target base station component in a second communications network of a second network type. The method includes determining an identifier of at least one target gateway component connected to the target base station component in the second communications network. A handover request message is then generated in the first communications network, the handover request message incorporating the identifier of the at least one target gateway component. The handover request message is then transmitted to the second communications network. Apparatus for performing this and other related methods is also described, for example eNodeB, gateway and user device components.
US08634377B2 Method for improved handover in multiple interface application
A method is provided for establishing a backup interface among multiple interfaces serving a mobile node, for a handover that is undetectable in advance. The invention methodology operates to cause a Foreign Agent associated with the multiple interfaces to keep a binding record of each of the multiple interfaces for which the mobile node has successfully completed the registration process. A novel Mobile IP extension is also added to facilitate the backup FA binding of the invention methodology.
US08634375B2 Methods and apparatus for cellular broadcasting and communication system
In a cellular wireless network, methods and apparatus are disclosed for a signal broadcasting scheme that can be individually augmented for users with poor reception. The network employs a first downlink channel for broadcasting data to all mobile stations, a second downlink channel for sending signals to a specific mobile station in a cell, and an uplink channel for feeding back information to the base station. To achieve a certain user reception quality, the system adjusts its broadcasting parameters based on the statistical analysis of the feedback data. If some users still require better reception, the system individually augments their broadcast signals via the second downlink channels. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for synchronization of data distribution by base stations, which, in part, allows the receivers to combine the receiving signals and improve their reception quality.
US08634374B2 Apparatus and method of avoiding control channel blocking
The present invention is directed to a wireless communication system. In particular, the present invention is directed to a method of processing a control channel at a user equipment in a wireless communication system using multiple carriers, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of search spaces, wherein each search space comprises a plurality of control channel candidates and each search space is corresponding to respective carrier; and monitoring the control channel candidates for the control channel, wherein if the control channel candidates have a common information size over two or more search spaces, the control channel can be received via any one of the two or more the search spaces, and an apparatus therefore.
US08634370B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving an uplink acknowledgement channel for a downlink data channel in a mobile communication system using orthogonal frequency division multiple access
A communication apparatus and method of a mobile communication system. A method of transmitting an uplink acknowledge channel (ACKCH) for a downlink data channel in a mobile communication system includes:receiving a downlink control channel and a downlink data channel;generating uplink acknowledgement information for the received downlink data channel; assigning at least two channel resources for the uplink acknowledgement information; and transmitting the uplink ACKCH including the uplink acknowledgement information on the channel resources through at least two transmission antennas, wherein, the channel resources comprise a first channel resource and a second channel resource, the first channel resource for a first transmission antenna is assigned based on a lowest CCE index nCCE of the downlink control channel, and the second channel resource for a second transmission antenna is assigned based on a CCE index nCCE+1.
US08634368B2 Method for allocating resource in LTE system
The present invention relates to a fractional RB (Resource Block) allocation method which enables resource allocation in a unit smaller than RB to improve the capacity of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) in an LTE (Long Term Evolution) system. That is, the present invention introduces a resource arrangement method which allows different users to share the same resource, without even using an SDMA, and a method for informing the fractional RB allocation and how to use the same. A method for introducing multiplexation into an RB and changing the RE arrangement is proposed to support the downlink fractional RB allocation. A method for changing the RE arrangement is also proposed to support the uplink fractional RB allocation. According to the present invention, to provide a consistent service with a small amount of traffic generated as in the VoIP, resources of a smaller amount than a single RB can be used for a terminal with a good channel state. In the present invention, the occupancy of resources for the terminals of an excellent channel state is reduced so that the capacity of the VoIP can be improved.
US08634365B2 System and method for allocating transmission resources
A method for wirelessly transmitting data using a plurality of transmission layers includes estimating a number of vector symbols to be allocated to transmission of user data codewords during a subframe and determining a number of bits in a plurality of user data codewords to be transmitted during the subframe. The method also includes calculating a number of control vector symbols to allocate to control information based at least in part on the estimated number of vector symbols and the determined number of bits. Additionally, the method includes mapping control codewords to the calculated number of control vector symbols and transmitting vector symbols carrying the user data codewords and the control codewords over the plurality of transmission layers during the subframe.
US08634359B2 Locating electromagnetic signal sources
There is disclosed a method of estimating the location of a plurality of electromagnetic signal sources, comprising: scanning at a first plurality of locations to generate signal source position data, the signal source position data representing estimates of the position of at least one of said signal sources; scanning at a second plurality of locations using a signal detection system to generate signal detection data, the signal detection data relating to signals received at the second plurality of locations from the signal sources; processing the signal source position data in dependence on the signal detection data to correct estimation errors in the signal source position data; and outputting the processed signal source position data.
US08634355B2 Burst size signaling and partition rule
A wireless network includes base stations and mobile stations. The base stations determine burst sizes and partitions, and signal this information to the mobile stations.
US08634353B2 Apparatus and method for hybrid automatic repeat request
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate using both synchronous and asynchronous HARQ assignment schemes. According to various aspects, the system and methods are described for determining if a synchronous HARQ or an asynchronous HARQ assignment scheme should be used for providing a resource assignment and indicating whether the resource assignment is provided using the synchronous HARQ or an asynchronous HARQ assignment scheme.
US08634351B2 LTE baseband receiver and method for operating same
An LTE baseband receiver and a method for operating the receiver are provided. The receiver comprises a frequency selective interference estimator, an interference level averager and an interference assessor operative to control which output of the frequency selective interference estimator or the interference level averager is to be supplied to a soft-metric calculator. Frequency selectivity of the interference is assessed, and the best mode of interference estimation is selected to increase LTE receiver performance in loaded networks without impacting receiver performance in unloaded networks.
US08634347B2 Transmitting system and method of transmitting digital broadcast signal in transmitting system
A transmitting system and a method of transmitting digital broadcast signal are disclosed. The method of transmitting digital broadcasting signal in a transmitter includes multiplexing a specified number of mobile data packets, a first scalable number of mobile data packets, and a second scalable number of main data packets, interleaving mobile data in the mobile data packets and main data in the main data packets, transmitting the interleaved mobile and main data during a slot, wherein the data group includes a plurality of first blocks, each first block including a plurality of data segments, specified block of the plurality of first blocks including the mobile data, known data sequence, trellis initialization data and RS parity bytes inserted in pre-determined position of the data group, wherein the data group includes a plurality of regions, wherein the last region includes the first scalable number of mobile data packets.
US08634341B1 Method and apparatus for iterative synchronization of two or more electronic devices
Dynamic adjustment of offset between timebases of separated electronic circuits is provided based on an amount of time between synchronization events, wherein a synchronization event is an event involving communication across a separation between the separated electronic circuits in order to synchronize the timebases. The dynamic adjustment can be dynamically or adaptively adjusting a margin of error to account for drift that may have occurred since a prior synchronization event. Adjustments might be done by applying a learning sequence to quantify and adjust for static or slowly varying delays between the timebases and coordinating the timebases using output of the learning sequence. The learning sequence might quantify and adjust for static or slowly varying delays and frequency drift in a communication system having a master timebase device and slave timebase devices wherein slave timebase devices are configured to adjust their local timebases to coincide with the master timebase by obtaining timing/synchronization information during one or more events, the events being communication and/or synchronization events, analyzing the timing/synchronization information to derive timing errors due to system nonidealities, and applying timing correction based on timing errors derived by the analyzing.
US08634339B2 Methods and systems for sharing resources between a radio access network and a backhaul network
Various embodiments are presented for combining features of a Radio Access Network (RAN) and those of a backhaul link or Network. In particular, and unlike the prior art, certain hardware and software resources are shared by the two Networks as needed. Such resources may include, for example, radio transceiver chains, interconnects, interconnect matrices, and RF power combiners. These resources will be dedicated on a time and need basis to either Network. This sharing permits the economizing of resources. Also, the aggregated transmission power of the radio transceiver chains previously used for RAN communication can now be utilized for backhaul transmission, or the aggregated reception capability for multiple chains used for RAN communication can now be used to improve reception when receiving transmissions from the Core Network.
US08634338B2 Methods and apparatus for conducting financial transactions
A method of establishing wireless communications between an interrogator and individual ones of multiple wireless identification devices, the method comprising combining tree search and Aloha methods to establish communications between the interrogator and individual ones of the multiple wireless identification devices without collision. A system comprising an interrogator, and a plurality of wireless identification devices configured to communicate with the interrogator In a wireless fashion, the respective wireless identification devices having a unique identification number, the interrogator being configured to employ tree search and Aloha techniques to determine the unique identification numbers of the different wireless identification devices so as to be able to establish communications between the interrogator identification and individual devices without ones of the multiple wireless collision by multiple wireless identification devices attempting to respond to the interrogator at the same time.
US08634335B1 Flexible port rate limiting
A switching device including an ingress port configured to receive packets from a network device, the received packets having been transmitted by the network device to the switching device in accordance with a transfer rate; a parsing module configured to separate by layer the received packets into parsed packets, wherein the parsed packets include control packets and data packets, and wherein each of the layers of the parsed packets corresponds to a layer one, a layer two, a layer three or a layer four of an open systems interconnection reference model; and a rate limitation module configured to based on the layer of each of the parsed packets, transmit a pause signal from the switching device via the ingress port to the network device to temporarily limit the transfer rate of packets transmitted from the network device to the switching device.
US08634331B2 Customer premises call handling
A computer readable storage medium holding a program element for execution by a processor for processing voice calls. The program element comprises an input interface to receive at a customer premises a signal carrying a call request indicative of an incoming voice call, wherein the call request includes a call destination identifier. Also present, a processing element at a customer premises coupled to the input interface. The processing element processes the call destination data to distinguish the call destination identifier from other call destination identifiers that the signal can carry. The processing element also processes the call request to select a handset to which the incoming call is to be linked on the basis of the call destination identifier and links the voice call to the handset. Also provided are a telephone system and method and a telephone system and method involving forwarding calls to voice mail services.
US08634327B2 Method for switching channel in mesh network
A method of performing a channel switch in a mesh network by a first Mesh Point (MP) includes configuring a peer link between the first MP and a second MP, and transmitting a mesh channel switch announcement frame from the first MP to the second MP. The mesh channel switch announcement frame includes a new regulatory class field and a new channel number field. The new regulatory class field indicates the number of a new regulatory class after the channel switch and the new channel number field indicates the number of a new channel to which the first MP is moving.
US08634324B2 Method and apparatus for providing signature based predictive maintenance in communication networks
A method and apparatus for collecting and processing line performance data transmitted over cables, e.g., Y-cables, is disclosed. The present invention applies a method based on specific performance measurements, specific measurement time intervals, and compare results from different measurement time intervals to produce a “signature” that indicates deteriorating performance of a particular Y-cable. Once a “signature” is detected, the method will proactively and automatically generate a trouble ticket to trigger the dispatch maintenance staffs to service the cable, e.g., to perform the replacement of the Y-cable in question, thus completing the predictive maintenance process. A trouble ticket is a record used to report and manage the resolution of network related problems.
US08634322B2 Apparatus and methods for adaptive network throttling
Apparatus and methods for adaptive network throttling are provided. Adaptive network throttling may allow a device to communicate information using a shared network link without negatively impacting other devices utilizing the shared link. Adaptive network throttling may regulate communication of each device independently of network link or device hardware specifications. Adaptive network throttling may ensure that each device utilizing the shared network link inserts a time delay following a communication of information. The time delay may represent bandwidth on the shared network link that is not being used by a device. The unused bandwidth may be available to other devices communicating over the shared network link.
US08634316B2 Methods and apparatus to utilize route aggregation for exchanging routes in a communication network
Methods and apparatus to utilize route aggregation for exchanging routes in a communication network are disclosed. An example method to exchange routes in a communication network disclosed herein comprises aggregating a plurality of individual routes into an aggregate route characterized by an aggregate route identifier and a plurality of aggregate route parameter values, the plurality of individual routes comprising a respective plurality of individual route identifiers and respective pluralities of individual route parameter values, the aggregate route identifier to represent an aggregation of the plurality of individual route identifiers, the plurality of aggregate route parameter values to match at least some of the pluralities of individual route parameter values for at least some of the plurality of individual routes, and sending the aggregate route identifier and the plurality of aggregate route parameter values to a recipient in the communication network to forward the plurality of individual routes to the recipient.
US08634313B2 Method and apparatus that facilitates a timing alignment in a multicarrier system
Aspects are disclosed for facilitating a timing alignment in a multicarrier system. In one aspect, at least one downlink timing associated with at least one downlink carrier is determined, and an uplink timing associated with an uplink group of carriers is ascertained based on at least one downlink timing and a timing offset associated with the uplink group of carriers. Each of the uplink group of carriers is then transmitted within a threshold value of the uplink timing. In another aspect, a downlink communication is transmitted to a wireless terminal via at least one downlink carrier. This embodiment further includes assigning a timing offset to an uplink group of carriers, and providing the timing offset to the wireless terminal via the at least one downlink carrier. An uplink communication is then received via the uplink group of carriers according to the timing offset.
US08634312B2 Effective data block transmission method using header indicator
Disclosed is a radio (wireless) communication system providing a radio communication service and a terminal, and more particularly, to a method of exchanging a data block or data unit between a base station and a terminal in an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (E-UMTS) that has evolved from a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) or a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, which can generate a data block to enhance efficiency of radio resources.
US08634306B2 Systems and methods for implementing service operation, administration, and management for hairpinned ethernet services
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include designating one of at least one maintenance point associated with a physical port of a line card as a primary maintenance point, the primary maintenance point comprising either a UP-Maintenance Entity Group End Point (UP-MEP) or one Maintenance Entity Group Intermediate Point (MIP). The method may also include configuring the line card such that the line card stores source addresses of Service Operation, Administration, and Management (SOAM) frames communicated by the primary maintenance point. The method may further include configuring the line card such that the line card does not store source addresses of Service Operation, Administration, and Management frames communicated by maintenance points associated with the physical port other than the primary maintenance point.
US08634304B2 Ethernet test-set cable
An Ethernet cable used with an Ethernet test-set allows a single connection to an Ethernet port of a network element while maintaining individual connections to separate ports on the test-set. The far-end of the signal path is a single Ethernet cable port having its transmit and receive pins interconnected. The far-end port interconnections cause a test signal which has traveled to the far-end port to be returned to the test-set and to be receive in a test-set port other than the originating port Two signal paths can be simultaneously tested with the same test-kit. Interconnections between the test-set ports by way of the cable maintain a “no-signal”alarm disabled, which otherwise would be energized because there is no signal being received in the port from which the test signal originated.
US08634303B2 Efficient radio resource management in a mobile radio communication system
In a method for operating a radio communication system, network radio stations and subscriber stations communicate using a frequency band which is split into a plurality of subbands. A first network radio station receives from a second network radio station first information relating to transmission powers used by the second network radio station for at least some of the subbands. The first network radio station also receives from a subscriber station second information relating to a reception level for the subscriber station for at least one signal emitted by the second network radio station on a subband. A network radio station carries out the method.
US08634298B2 Communicating apparatus and computer readable medium thereof
A communicating apparatus includes a first acquire unit that acquires a first usage bandwidth to be a usage bandwidth of the communicating apparatus; a negotiation unit that negotiates by utilizing information corresponding to the first usage bandwidth in relation to a transmission speed in an execution of a communication with another communicating apparatus connected to the communicating apparatus through a network; a second acquire unit that acquires a second usage bandwidth as a negotiation result obtained by the negotiation unit; and a communicating unit that transmits data to the another communicating apparatus at a lower transmission speed than a transmission speed based on the first usage bandwidth corresponding to information about the second usage bandwidth.
US08634297B2 Probing specific customer flow in layer-2 multipath networks
Techniques are provided to enable a switch in a layer-2 multipath network to determine connectivity of a path to a destination switch. At a source switch, user flow parameters are determined for user flow packets to be transported in the layer-2 multipath network to a destination switch. The sourced switch determines a number of hops from it to the destination switch based on the user flow parameters. Timestamping is activated for time-to-live expiry packets received at the source switch and for time-to-live expiry packets received at the destination switch. One or more probe packets having user flow parameters matching the user flow parameters of user flow packets are generated so that the probe packets use the same path taken by the user flow packets between the source switch and the destination switch. In addition, a time-to-live value corresponding to the number of hops from the source switch to the destination switch is included in a hop count field of the one or more probe packets. The time-to-live value distinguishes the one or more probe packets from user flow packets. The one or more probe packets are sent in the layer-2 multipath network from the source switch to the destination switch. Connectivity between the source switch and the destination switch is determined based on the one or more probe packets.
US08634294B2 Discovery and capability exchange management in a virtualized computing platform
In various embodiments a traffic class manager is a resource within a virtualized computer systems trusted entity (e.g. a hypervisor, trusted partition, etc.) that maps requirements from a platform management and associated network capabilities onto an adapter (e.g. SR-IOV adapter, etc.) in order to appropriately allocate adapter and network resources to virtualized computer partitions. In various embodiments the traffic class manager defines network traffic classes that meet the objectives of a platform administrator based on the capabilities of the adapter and the network attached to the adapter ports. Once the traffic classes are defined, in various embodiments, the traffic class manager enforces the assignment of a traffic class to a virtual interface queue pair within a partition.
US08634293B2 Service differentiation and service level agreements for wireless access clients
Differentiated services are provided through service level agreements (SLAs) between access nodes and some of the clients using a wireless access network. Client devices include internal devices that are compliant with service-related specifications published by the access nodes. Client devices also may include non-compliant external and legacy devices, as well as outside interferers. The access nodes control target SLAs for each client device. The access nodes and the internal client devices perform rate limiting to ensure that a device's target SLA is adhered to. The service-related specifications include schedules to ensure preferential access for preferred internal client devices. The internal client devices send usage and bandwidth availability feedback to the access node they are associated with, enabling the access node to come up with better schedules for meeting the preferred internal devices' SLAs in view of the network conditions reported via the feedback.
US08634290B2 Apparatus and method for protection switching for mesh topolgy
Provided are a shared mesh protection switching apparatus and method. The shared mesh protection switching apparatus includes a plurality of linear protection switching processors allocated to the linear protection domains respectively and configured to provide a switching report signal in response to fault occurrence in the corresponding linear protection domains or a linear protection switching operation, and perform a function of limiting use of the shared section in response to a provided lock signal, and a mesh protection switching processor configured to select at least one linear protection domain to be limited in use of the network resources of the shared section according to a predetermined reference when the switching report signal is provided and provide the lock signal to a linear protection switching processor corresponding to the at least one selected linear protection domain.
US08634287B2 Method for manufacturing read-only optical disc medium and read-only optical disc medium
An information signal area on an information signal recording surface is provided as pits on a mirror in accordance with modulated information data, and is covered with a metal alloy reflective film. Sections that do not include pits corresponding to the information data are provided in the information signal area, and portions of the metal alloy reflective film on the sections are formed as perforated marks corresponding to the information data. In this case, the reproduction signal amplification level of a prepit signal and the reproduction signal amplitude level of a perforated mark signal can be obtained as substantially equal values by adjusting the depth and width of pits and/or adjusting the width and length of perforated marks. Hence, waveform distortion due to a waveform equalization circuit and variations in binary signals due to displacement of the slice level are reduced so that signals can be stably and reliably detected with the same reading apparatus.
US08634280B1 Method and system for providing an energy assisted magnetic recording writer having a ring shaped NFT
A method and system provides an EAMR transducer. The transducer is coupled with a laser for providing energy and has an air-bearing surface (ABS) configured to reside in proximity to a media during use. The EAMR transducer includes a near field transducer (NFT) for focusing the energy onto the region of the media, a write pole, and at least one coil for energizing the write pole. The NFT includes a ring portion having an aperture therein and a pin portion proximate to the ABS. The write pole is configured to write to a region of the media.
US08634279B2 Alarm clock and method for controlling a wake-up alarm
An alarm clock includes at least one sensor for detecting a body activity level of a human being and is provided to produce a sequence of alarm signals. Each alarm signal within the sequence is suppressible on the detection of a predetermined body activity level. The body activity level required to suppress an alarm signal increases with each subsequent alarm signal within the sequence. The body activity level of a human being is detected during said sequence, and a present alarm signal is suppressed when the body activity level presently detected is greater than the predetermined body activity level required to suppress the present alarm signal.
US08634278B1 Talking watch device
A talking watch device for helping a user learn time comprising a base having a clock face; a quartz oscillator assembly; a digital counter operatively connected to the quartz oscillator assembly and to a microprocessor, the digital counter keeps track of a time, day, month, and year component; a memory medium for storing a plurality of audio messages; a speaker component operatively connected to a digital to analog converter; and a dial operatively connected to the microprocessor, the dial can move between a first position, a second position, a third position, and a fourth position, wherein the microprocessor is configured to receive input signals from the dial whereupon the microprocessor generates output commands to the speaker to play a time component message and/or a day component message and/or a month component message and/or a year component message.
US08634275B2 Audio processing device
In an audio processing device, a target sound emphasizer generates a target sound emphasized component by emphasizing a target sound component contained in a plurality of audio signals generated by a plurality of sound receiving devices. A stereo processor generates a stereo component of a plurality of channels from the plurality of audio signals. A first adjuster adjusts a sound pressure level of the target sound emphasized component according to a first adjustment value, and a second adjuster adjusts a sound pressure level of the stereo component according to a second adjustment value. A variable setter variably sets a zoom value which is changeable between a wide angle side and a telephoto side relative to a target. An adjustment controller controls the first adjustment value according to the zoom value such that the sound pressure level of the target sound emphasized component exponentially decreases as the zoom value changes toward the wide-angle side and controls the second adjustment value according to the zoom value such that the sound pressure level of the stereo component increases as the zoom value changes toward the wide-angle side.
US08634272B2 Televiewer image wood-grain reduction techniques
Measurements made by a transducer assembly for downhole imaging are affected by reverberations between the transducer and the window on the outside of the assembly. The reverberations result in a stationary noise on the image. Hardware solutions to improve signal-to-noise ratio includes using a composite transducer, adjusting the distance between the transducer and the window. SNR can also be improved by processing techniques that include stacking, fitting a sinusoid to the reverberation, by envelope peak detection, and by applying a notch filter.
US08634270B2 Determining sea conditions in marine seismic spreads
According to one or more aspects of the invention, a marine seismic survey method comprises towing at least two streamers below a sea surface forming a survey spread, each streamer comprising a survey sensor and a profiler; and at each profiler, emitting an acoustic signal; recording an echo of the emitted signal at the profiler; and determining a parameter from the recorded echo, the parameter comprising at least one selected from the group of a distance between the profiler and the sea surface, a water current vector and a sea surface slope.
US08634262B2 Word line driving signal control circuit, semiconductor memory apparatus having the same, and word line driving method
A word line driving signal control circuit of a semiconductor memory apparatus provided with a sub-redundancy cell array includes a fuse unit configured to generate a redundancy enable signal in response to a bank active signal and an address signal, and a repair determination unit configured to activate one of a normal word line driving signal, a redundancy word line driving signal, and a sub-redundancy word line driving signal in response to the bank active signal and the redundancy enable signal.
US08634260B2 Semiconductor device and control method therefor
A semiconductor device includes a first and a second ROMs; and a first control circuit having an input node and sets a first and a second addresses that are different each other to be respectively recorded in the first and second ROMs from a plurality of input addresses supplied sequentially into the input node, on the basis of a setting signal, the plurality of input addresses including the first and second addresses, wherein the first control circuit being configured to set an input address as the first address based on the setting signal, and the first control circuit further being configured to set an input address as the second address on the basis of the setting signal when the first and second addresses are different each other in a predetermined portion of bits after the first address is set to the first ROM.
US08634259B2 Method and apparatus for timing adjustment
A strobe signal from a memory is delayed through delay circuits of a strobe delay selection section, thus obtaining a plurality of delayed strobe signals. A strobe latch section produces check data in synchronism with each of the delayed strobe signals, and a system latch section latches, with a system clock, check data latched by the strobe latch section. Based on a comparison by an expected value comparison section and a determination by a delay determination section, the optimal strobe signal with the optimal delay is selected from among the delayed strobe signals produced in the strobe delay selection section. Then, data from the memory is delayed through delay circuits in a data delay selection section, thus obtaining a plurality of delayed data, and the optimal data with the optimal delay is selected from among the plurality of delayed data based on the comparison by the expected value comparison section and the determination by the delay determination section.
US08634258B2 Reduced signal interface memory device, system, and method
A memory has a serial interface. The serial interface is programmable to either use separate dedicated input and output pads, or to use one bidirectional pad. When one bidirectional pad is used, the interface signal count is reduced by one.
US08634257B2 Semiconductor storage device with memory cell utilized as a set-dedicated memory cell
A semiconductor storage device crystallizes variable resistive element material layers arranged on side surfaces of multiple semiconductor layers in a stacked structure concurrently by applying a first current to any one of semiconductor layers in the stacked structure, and thereafter applies a second current to semiconductor layers other than a semiconductor layer to which the first current was applied.
US08634255B2 Charge pump circuit, nonvolatile memory, data processing apparatus, and microcomputer application system
Improvement technology of a charge pump circuit is provided for avoiding device destruction due to electrification of an intermediate node of plural capacitors coupled in series to form one step-up capacitor, and avoiding reduction of pump efficiency due to leakage current which flows through a leakage path of the intermediate node concerned. A charge pump circuit includes a step-up capacitor configured by a first capacitance and a second capacitance coupled in series, a capacitance driver, and a protection circuit. The protection circuit is set at a conductive state and discharges a stored charge at the series coupling node of the first capacitance and the second capacitance, when the step-up voltage is not generated, and the protection circuit is maintained in a non-conductive state, when the step-up voltage is generated. Accordingly, relaxation of the withstand voltage of the step-up capacitor is achieved, and reduction of the pump efficiency is avoided.
US08634246B2 Nonvolatile memory device, operating method thereof and memory system including the same
A method of operating a non-volatile memory device includes performing an erasing operation to memory cells associated with a string selection line (SSL), the memory cells associated with the SSL constituting a memory block, and verifying the erasing operation to second memory cells associated with a second word line (WL) after verifying the erasing operation to first memory cells associated with a first word line (WL).
US08634244B2 Adjusting program and erase voltages in a memory device
A system and apparatus for adjusting threshold program and erase voltages in a memory array, such as a floating gate memory array, for example. One such method includes applying a first voltage level to a first edge word line of a memory block string and applying a second voltage level to a second edge word line of the memory block string. Such a method might also include applying a third voltage level to non-edge word lines of the memory block string.
US08634242B2 Flash memory having multi-level architecture
Subject matter disclosed herein relates to a multi-level flash memory and a process flow to form same.
US08634238B2 Magnetic memory element having an adjustment layer for reducing a leakage magnetic field from a reference layer and magnetic memory thereof
According to one embodiment, a magnetic memory element includes a memory layer, a first nonmagnetic layer, a reference layer, a second nonmagnetic layer, and an adjustment layer which are stacked. The adjustment layer is configured to reduce a leakage magnetic field from the reference layer. The adjustment layer is formed by stacking an interface layer provided on the second nonmagnetic layer, and a magnetic layer having magnetic anisotropy perpendicular to a film surface. Saturation magnetization of the interface layer is larger than that of the magnetic layer.
US08634237B2 Magnetic memory device
A magnetic memory device comprises a magnetic wire extending in a first direction, a pair of first electrodes operable to pass a current through the magnetic wire in the first direction or in an opposite direction to the first direction, a first insulating layer provided on the magnetic wire in a second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction, a plurality of second electrodes provided on the first insulating layer and provided at specified interval in the second direction, and a third electrode electrically connected to the plurality of second electrodes.
US08634233B2 Systems and methods for direct communication between magnetic tunnel junctions
Systems and methods that enable direct communications between magnetic tunnel junctions are provided. In one embodiment, a device includes multiple input magnetic tunnel junctions and an output magnetic tunnel junction. The multiple input magnetic tunnel junctions are connected in parallel, and the output magnetic tunnel junction is connected in series to the input magnetic tunnel junctions. In another embodiment, a device includes a first magnetic tunnel junction, a second magnetic tunnel junction, and a nano-magnetic channel. Each of the first and the second magnetic tunnel junctions has a free layer, a nonmagnetic layer, and a fixed layer. The nano-magnetic channel connects the free layer of the first magnetic tunnel junction to the free layer of the second magnetic tunnel junction.
US08634232B2 Write driver circuit for MRAM, MRAM and layout structure thereof
A write driver circuit for a magnetic random access memory includes a memory cell array including a plurality of magnetic memory cells in which a pair of magnetic memory cells adjacent to each other in a direction of a bit line share a source line, and each magnetic memory cell is connected between the bit line and the source line. The write driver circuit includes a switching unit connected between a terminal for supplying a positive recording voltage and a terminal for supplying a negative recording voltage to selectively supply current generated by the positive recording voltage or the negative recording voltage to the bit line according to a write enable signal and a data signal.
US08634229B2 Dynamic memory cell provided with a field-effect transistor having zero swing
A memory cell is provided with a transistor which includes source and drain electrodes formed in a semiconductor film by respectively N-doped and P-doped areas. The transistor includes first and second devices for generating a potential barrier in the semiconductor film. The two potential barriers are shifted laterally and are opposed to the passage of the charge carriers emitted by the nearest source/drain electrode. One of the devices for generating the potential barrier is electrically connected to the gate. The other of the devices for generating the potential barrier is electrically connected to the counter-electrode. The writing of a high state is carried out by imposing on the P-doped electrode a potential higher than that of the N-doped electrode and charging the capacitor formed between the gate and the semiconductor film. The resetting of the memory cell is obtained by discharging the capacitor.
US08634228B2 Driving method of semiconductor device
A driving method of a semiconductor device is provided. In a semiconductor device including a bit line, a selection line, a selection transistor, m (m is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) writing word lines, m reading word lines, a source line, and first to m-th memory cells, each memory cell includes a first transistor and a second transistor that holds charge accumulated in a capacitor. The second transistor includes a channel formed in an oxide semiconductor layer. In a driving method of a semiconductor device having the above structure, when writing to a memory cell is performed, the first transistor is turned on so that a first source terminal or a first drain terminal is set to a fixed potential; thus, a potential is stably written to the capacitor.
US08634225B2 Method and apparatus managing worn cells in resistive memories
A method and apparatus for management worn resistive memory cells are presented. A normal read mode or worn memory cell detecting mode are used depending on the wear state of a resistive memory cell. A detection reference point is changed upon wear indication to detect the resistance of the resistive memory cell. The resistance of the resistive memory cell is detected using the changed detection reference point to determine whether or not the resistive memory cell is worn by comparing the detected resistance to a wear reference level.
US08634222B2 Memory devices having select gates with P type bodies, memory strings having separate source lines and methods
Memory devices and methods of operating memory devices are shown. Configurations described include a memory cell string having an elongated n type body region and having select gates with p type bodies. Configurations and methods shown can provide a reliable bias to a body region for memory operations such as erasing.
US08634218B2 Monolithic AC/DC converter for generating DC supply voltage
An integrated circuit (IC) comprises a rectifier/regulator circuit coupled to receive an ac source voltage and output a regulated dc voltage. The rectifier/regulator circuit includes first and second switching elements that provide charging current when enabled. The first and second switching elements do not provide charging current when disabled. A sensor circuit is coupled to sense the regulated dc voltage and generate a feedback control signal coupled to the rectifier/regulator circuit that enables the first and second switching elements when the regulated dc voltage is above a target voltage, and disables the first and second switching elements when the regulated dc voltage is below the target voltage.
US08634215B2 Rectifier circuit with a voltage sensor
A rectifier circuit with a synchronously controlled semiconductor element. The rectifier circuit includes at least one field effect transistor with a control electrode and two switching electrodes. The control electrode operates the reverse state and the forward state between the switching electrodes. At least one driver, which cooperates with a voltage sensor of the field effect transistor, controls this to the forward state during the diode operating state of the field effect transistor. The voltage sensor includes a sensor output capacitance that forms a non-linear voltage divider with an external reference capacitance.
US08634213B2 Power supply circuit with a control terminal for different functional modes of operation
A method of operation for flyback power converter includes operating a controller of the flyback power converter in a regulation mode when a control signal is below a first threshold. The control signal is provided as an input to a terminal of the flyback power converter. When the control signal is below a second threshold and above the first threshold, the controller is operated in a limiting mode. The controller is operated in an external command mode when the control signal is below a third threshold and above the second threshold. Lastly, when the control signal is above the third threshold, the controller is operated in a protection mode.
US08634210B2 DC-DC converter including switching frequency control circuit
A DC-DC converter includes a series circuit including a primary transformer coil and a main switch element connected between a power input terminal and a ground terminal. A secondary transformer coil is connected to a rectifying/smoothing circuit including rectification-side and commutation-side synchronous rectifiers, a smoothing capacitor, and a choke coil. The output voltage from the rectifying/smoothing circuit is supplied to a load connected to a power output terminal. An input voltage detection circuit detects the voltage between the power input terminal and the ground terminal, and supplies a detection signal to a VIN terminal of a switching control circuit. The switching control circuit performs PWM control to maintain a constant output voltage output to the load, reduces the switching frequency when the input voltage input to the VIN terminal is low, and increases the switching frequency in accordance with an increase in the input voltage.
US08634208B2 Chip card holding mechanism and portable electronic device
A portable electronic device includes a housing and a chip card holding mechanism assembled within the housing. The housing defines a mounting slot and an unlocking hole adjacent to the mounting slot. The chip card holding mechanism includes a support base assembled adjacent to the mounting slot, a receiving tray and an unlocking assembly. The receiving tray is slidably mounted on the support base and includes a tray body and an operating portion formed at one end of the tray body. The operating portion has a resisting surface. The unlocking assembly includes a cam body rotatably assembled to the housing and a driving member. The cam body forms a cam resisting portion resisting against the resisting surface of the receiving tray. The driving portion is inserted into the unlocking hole for driving the cam body to rotate thereby ejecting the receiving tray.
US08634202B2 Power transforming circuit board
A power transforming circuit board includes a substrate and at least one power output structure. The substrate has at least one power transforming circuit and at least one pair of power input holes. The power output structure is disposed on the substrate. Each power output structure is electrically connected with one corresponding power transforming circuit. Each power output structure has at least one cable connecting hole. The normal direction of each power output structure is oriented at an angle with respect to the normal direction of the substrate.
US08634197B2 Board module and printer
There is provided a board module to be mounted on an electronic apparatus for adding functions to the electronic apparatus. A second board extends perpendicularly from a first board. The second board is locked to the first board at an abutting end which abuts on the first board. A plate-shaped board fixing member pinches and fixes a fixed end of the second board, which is parallel to the abutting end. The board fixing member is arranged parallel to the first board. The board fixing member is formed with a slit-shaped opening into which the fixed end is inserted, a pair of pinching projections protruding from an opening edge of the opening and pinching the fixed end from both front and rear surfaces of the second board, and a pair of slits being located adjacent to the pair of pinching projections, respectively and being parallel to the opening.
US08634194B2 Power conversion apparatus
A power conversion apparatus is provided which includes a semiconductor module which include a switching element, a cooler which cools the semiconductor module, and has a pair of cylindrical pipes which introduce a cooling medium to a channel therein or discharge the cooling medium, a frame which holds the cooler, and a pair of clamps which fix the cylindrical pipes to the frame. Each of the clamps has a fastener portion which is fastened to the frame, and a pressing portion which presses the cylindrical pipe toward the frame. Each of the cylindrical pipes is held between a concave support portion, which is formed in the frame, and the clamp. Each of the cylindrical pipes is supported by two support surfaces of the concave support portion and the pressing portion of the clamp at three support points when viewing from the direction in which the cylindrical pipe extends.
US08634192B2 Information handling system cooling system
An information handling system (IHS) cooling system includes an IHS chassis defining an IHS chassis air inlet. A cooling chassis supports the IHS chassis on a support base. An air supply duct extends from the cooling chassis such that an air supply duct outlet on the air supply duct is immediately adjacent the IHS chassis air inlet. An air cooling subsystem is located in the cooling chassis and is operable to cool air that is drawn into the cooling chassis and supply the cooled air to the IHS chassis air inlet through the air supply duct. The IHS chassis may be a conventional IHS chassis that is designed for sub-35 degree Celsius ambient temperatures, and the cooling chassis may be provided for the conventional IHS chassis when used in extreme environments with high ambient temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius.
US08634191B2 Portable electronic device with buffered internal electronic module
An exemplary portable electronic device includes a bottom cover, a top cover, an electronic module, and elastic washers. The top cover engages with the bottom cover to define a space therebetween. The electronic module is received in the space. Poles protrude up from the bottom cover. The elastic washers are fixed on the electronic module. A through hole is defined in each of the washers. The poles respectively extend through the through holes of the washers, and opposite ends of each of the washers respectively elastically abut the top cover and the bottom cover.
US08634189B2 System and method for releasing a peripheral slice from an information handling system
Alignment posts that aid alignment of a peripheral slice to couple to the bottom surface of an information handling system also interface with a release so that actuation of the release translates to movement of the alignment posts relative to the peripheral slice so that the information handling system slides relative to the peripheral slice. Sliding of the peripheral slice relative to the information handling system releases attachment devices, such as hooks of the peripheral device that couple to attachment points of the information handling system so that the peripheral device decouples from the information handling system.
US08634188B2 Notebook computer docking stations
A docking station for supporting a notebook computer. In one embodiment, an docking station includes a base, a platform on which the notebook computer can be placed, and a platform support armature that extends up from the base and supports the platform, wherein the armature can be pivoted to change the height of the platform and the platform can be pivoted independent of the armature to change an angle of inclination of the platform.
US08634185B2 Data storage device carrier assembly
A data storage device assembly includes a drive bracket. The drive bracket includes a first side plate and a second side plate which faces to the first side plate. Each of the first side plate and the second side plate defines a slide way which is adapted to receive a data storage device assembly sliding therein. The first piece and a second piece is secured together on the first side plate. The second piece includes a pair of first bent pieces and a pair of second bent pieces connected to edges of the second piece. The pair of first bent pieces faces to each other. The pair of second bent pieces faces to each other. The pair of first bent pieces is secured to the pair of second bent pieces.
US08634184B2 Portable apparatus and sliding device thereof
Disclosed is a sliding-type portable apparatus and a sliding device of the sliding-type portable apparatus. The portable apparatus includes a main body, a display unit, and a sliding device, in which the sliding device enables the automatic sliding of the keypad unit according to the sliding of the display unit. Further, the portable apparatus includes a driving unit to semi-automatically open/close the display unit and the keypad unit.
US08634183B2 Automatic hinge opening assembly for electronic device
In one embodiment an electronic device comprises a housing having a first section comprising a display and a second section comprising a keyboard coupled to the first section by a hinge assembly and an automatic hinge opening assembly for the housing. The automat hinge opening assembly comprises a hinge pin assembly mountable to the first section of the housing of the electronic device a pin rotatable about an axis between a first position and a second position and a hinge plate coupled to the pin and connectable to a hinge which connects the first section of the housing to a second section of the housing, and at least one torsion member coupled to the pin to apply a torque to the pin, wherein the torsion member is to store potential energy when the first section of the housing and the second section of the housing are in a closed position. Other embodiments may be described.
US08634181B2 Multiple-track supercapacitor
The invention relates to a supercapacitor that comprises at least two juxtaposed complexes (1, 2) spaced by a distance d, and at least one common complex (3) located opposite the two juxtaposed complexes (1, 2) and spaced therefrom by at least one spacer (4), the spacer (4) and the complexes (1, 2, 3) being spirally wound together in order to form a coiled element.
US08634176B2 Overvoltage protector
An overvoltage protector having a housing and at least one overvoltage limiter arranged in the housing, especially a gas-filled surge arrester (1), a suppressor diode (2) or a varistor. The functional ability and the state of the overvoltage protector can be controlled during operation by associating a monitoring component with the overvoltage limiter which detects a current (i) flowing over the overvoltage limiter component, and by providing an evaluation unit that evaluates the signal of the monitoring component.
US08634170B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit
An integrated circuit formed on a semiconductor chip includes voltage regulators for stepping down an externally-supplied power voltage to produce an internal power voltage, and internal circuits which operate based on the internal power voltage. The voltage regulators are laid in the area of the buffers and protective elements for the input/output signals and power voltages so that the overhead area due to the on-chip provision of the voltage regulators is minimized. The internal power voltage is distributed to the internal circuits through a looped main power line, with an electrode pad for connecting an external capacitor for stabilizing the internal power voltage being provided on it, so that the internal power voltage is stabilized and the power consumption of the integrated circuit is minimized.
US08634169B2 Anti-lightning automatic switch for a satellite television receiver
An anti-lightning automatic switch for a satellite television receiver comprises a housing, external terminals which are connected with external cables are respectively arranged at two ends of the housing, wherein an on-off interface is arranged at the other end of the external terminal on one side, and internal cable is connected to the other end of the external terminal on the other side; and a guide rail unit is arranged in the housing, a driving mechanism is mounted on the guide rail unit, the driving mechanism is connected with the external terminal on the other side through the internal cable, a control circuit board and a motor controlled by the control circuit board are arranged on the driving mechanism, and a contact which is used in combination with the on-off interface is mounted at one end of the driving mechanism.
US08634167B2 Magnetic head with self compensating dual thermal fly height control
A magnetic head for data recording having a pair of heating elements that self regulate in response to temperature to distribute heat for thermal actuation. The head includes a first heating element located adjacent to the read sensor and away from the writer, and a second heating element located adjacent to the writer. The first and second heating elements have different coefficients of thermal resistance that cause the heating of the second heating element to increase relative to that of the first heating element when the overall temperature increases or when power provided by a power source increases. There, thereby prevents the read sensor from extending too much and possibly contacting the disk.
US08634161B2 Systems having writer with deeper wrap around shield and methods for making the same
A method according to one embodiment includes etching an underlayer positioned under a main pole for reducing a thickness thereof and creating an undercut under the main pole; adding a gap material along sides of the main pole and in the undercut; and forming a shield along at least a portion of the gap material. A magnetic head according to one embodiment includes a main pole; an underlayer positioned under the main pole and spaced therefrom, thereby defining an undercut therebetween; a first layer of gap material extending along sides of the main pole and in the undercut; a second layer of gap material extending continuously along the underlayer under the main pole; and a shield encircling the main pole, wherein the shield extends between the first and second layers of gap material in the undercut. Additional systems and methods are also presented.
US08634156B2 Storage system, storage control apparatus, and storage control method
In a storage system, when power supply to HDDs is instantaneously interrupted, a spin up controller of a magnetic disk apparatus spins up the HDDs. On the other hand, based on a response for an access to the HDDs in the magnetic disk apparatus, when detecting that the HDDs as an access destination are spun down, a spin up controller of a control apparatus spins up the HDDs. When a certain number of the HDDs or more are spun down, a separate controller does not permit the magnetic disk apparatus to be used for a given length of time. While the magnetic disk apparatus is not permitted to be used, the HDDs are spun up by using the spin up controller of the magnetic disk apparatus.
US08634154B1 Disk drive writing a sync mark seam in a bootstrap spiral track
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, and a spindle motor operable to rotate the disk. A bootstrap spiral track is written to the disk, wherein the bootstrap spiral track comprises a high frequency signal interrupted by sync marks. A first sync mark is written while writing a first part of the bootstrap spiral track, and a second sync mark is written while writing a second part of the bootstrap spiral track. A switch between writing the first sync mark and the second sync mark is made in response to a spindle BEMF voltage, thereby generating a sync mark seam in the bootstrap spiral track.
US08634153B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording medium, method of manufacturing the same, and magnetic recording/reproduction apparatus
According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording medium includes a substrate, an auxiliary layer formed on the substrate, and at least one perpendicular magnetic recording layer formed on the auxiliary layer. The perpendicular magnetic recording layer includes a magnetic dot pattern. The perpendicular magnetic recording layer is made of an alloy material containing one element selected from iron and cobalt, and one element selected from platinum and palladium. This alloy material has the L10 structure, and is (001)-oriented. The auxiliary layer includes a dot-like first region covered with the magnetic dot pattern, and a second region not covered with the magnetic dot pattern. The first region is made of one metal selected from (100)-oriented nickel and (100)-oriented iron. The second region contains an oxide of the metal used in the first region.
US08634150B2 Voice coil motor
A voice coil motor includes a stationary magnetic field generator with a receiving space, a moveable magnetic field generator received in the receiving space, a lens module, a base, and a lower elastic plate. The moveable magnetic field generator includes a lens retainer. The lens retainer defines a circular hole with internal threads. The lens module forms external threads threadedly engaging with the internal threads. An adhesive is coated between the external and internal threads. The stationary magnetic field generator is supported on the base. The base defines an opening in its center. The lower elastic plate is sandwiched between the base and the stationary magnetic field generator and defines a light passing hole. The lower elastic plate includes an elastic portion surrounding the light passing hole. A cross-sectional area of the elastic portion is less than a cross-sectional area of the opening.
US08634145B2 Liquid meniscus lens with concave torus-segment meniscus wall
The present invention relates generally to a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum with at least a portion of the conical frustum concave toward the optical axis. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.
US08634142B2 Evanescent electromagnetic wave conversion apparatus II
Apparatus, methods, and systems provide conversion of evanescent electromagnetic waves to non-evanescent electromagnetic waves and/or conversion of non-evanescent electromagnetic waves to evanescent electromagnetic waves. In some approaches the conversion includes propagation of electromagnetic waves within an indefinite electromagnetic medium, and the indefinite medium may include an artificially-structured material such as a layered structure or other metamaterial.
US08634138B2 Lens barrel and optical apparatus including the same
A lens barrel includes first and second driving units configured to move first and second moving frames in an optical axis direction, and two correction driving sources configured to move the second moving frame in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis. Moving ranges in the optical axis direction of the first and second moving frames overlap with each other. The first and second moving frames are connected to a fixing portion of a fixed barrel by first and second flexible printed boards. One of the first and second driving units is located on a side of the optical axis opposite one of the second correction driving sources, and U-turn portions of the first and second flexible printed boards are located on a side of the optical axis opposite the other correction driving source, when viewed in the optical axis direction.
US08634137B2 Glare management of reflective and thermoreflective surfaces
The reflectivity and transmissivity of building and vehicle surfaces is maintained while employing partial, variable, selective, or asymmetric diffusers between a surface and an external light source such that the reflected light is diffused to produce a reduction in glare, while minimally effecting the specular or collimated transmission (if any) of light through the surface. Glare is also reduced by utilizing diffuser devices that reflect light in a temperature dependent manner.
US08634135B2 Optical plummet for use in geodesy
An optical plummet for use in geodesy includes an eyepiece, a target mark, and an objective. The target mark is positioned in the beam path between the eyepiece and the objective and the target mark and the eyepiece are supported by a first body and the objective is supported by a second body. Either the first body or second body has two annular recesses spaced apart from each other along the beam path and disposed coaxially with respect to the beam path. Each of the annular recesses accommodates a ring. The other body has at least sectionally a cylindrical outer surface extending coaxially through the two annular recesses and rings along the beam path and is guided by the ring such that the distance between the eyepiece and the objective is adjustable by moving the first body and the second body relative to one other along the beam path.
US08634129B2 Wavelength selective switch
Provided is a wavelength selective switch which includes: at least one input port; a dispersive portion for dispersing wavelength-multiplexed light input from the input port into wavelength-demultiplexed lights; a condenser element for condensing the wavelength-demultiplexed lights dispersed by the dispersive portion; a deflection portion having deflection elements for deflecting, for each wavelength-demultiplexed light condensed by the condenser element; at least one output port for outputting the wavelength-demultiplexed lights deflected by the deflection portion. A light-condensing position shift compensating element is disposed in an optical path between the input port and the dispersive portion or in the dispersive portion, for compensating light-condensing position shift of the wavelength-demultiplexed lights relative to the deflection element, light-condensing position shift being generated based on the arrangement of the input ports.
US08634128B2 Electrophoretic element, display, and electronic device
An electrophoretic element includes an electrophoretic particle, and a porous layer formed of a fibrous structure having a non-electrophoretic particle with different optical reflection characteristics from optical reflection characteristics of the electrophoretic particle. A difference Δ1 (=A−B) between a solubility parameter value A of the fibrous structure and a solubility parameter value B of a particle surface of the electrophoretic particle is 2 or more and 5.2 or less.
US08634125B2 System and method for displaying images
System and method for simultaneous display of multiple images using a single light modulator array. A preferred embodiment comprises a light source that produces a light with desired spectral characteristics, a color filter optically coupled to the light source, and an array of light modulators optically coupled to the color filter. The color filter filters light from the light source to produce light of desired wavelengths and the array of light modulators simultaneously displays multiple images onto a display plane. Portions of the array of light modulators are designed so that each portion can independently display an image and the light source provides needed light to display the image.
US08634124B2 Optical apparatus and imaging apparatus
Provided is an optical apparatus including a filter (102) that includes a first surface (105) intersecting a rotation axis at a predetermined angle and a second surface (106) orthogonal to the rotation axis and rotates around the rotation axis, a filter (110) that is arranged adjacent to the filter (102), includes a third surface (115) and a fourth surface (116) in a spatial relationship of point-symmetry to the first surface (105) and the second surface (106) about a point on the rotation axis between the filters, and rotates in an opposite direction of the filter (102) around the rotation axis.
US08634122B2 Optical scanner, method of manufacturing optical scanner, and image forming apparatus
An optical scanner includes: a movable section which has a light reflecting member with a light reflecting surface and which is rotatable around the central axis of rotation; at least a pair of movable beams extending from the movable section along the light reflecting surface; a displacement section which is connected to the movable beams and has a through hole including two fixed surfaces crossing each other; two driving beams which extend from the displacement section along a surface direction of the light reflecting surface so as to be perpendicular to the movable beams; a support section connected to each of the driving beams; a driving section which drives the displacement section; and a permanent magnet which is inserted in the through hole and is fixed to the two fixed surfaces.
US08634121B2 Mirror device, mirror array, optical switch, mirror device manufacturing method, and mirror substrate manufacturing method
A mirror device includes a mirror (153) which is supported to be pivotable with respect to a mirror substrate (151), a driving electrode (103-1-103-4) which is formed on an electrode substrate (101) facing the mirror substrate, and an antistatic structure (106) which is arranged in a space between the mirror and the electrode substrate. This structure can fix the potential of the lower surface of the mirror and suppress drift of the mirror by applying a second potential to the antistatic structure.
US08634118B2 Image processing apparatus and computer readable medium
An image processing apparatus includes a read unit and a first correction unit. The read unit reads a document and generates multilevel image data from the document. The first correction unit corrects the multilevel image data contained in a first range predetermined as a color indicating a fluorescent color so as to move the multilevel image data contained in the first range to an outside of a print color range when at least a part of the multilevel image data is contained in the first range.
US08634117B2 Profile creation by ink amount optimization for various print media to reproduce hue values
A second chromaticity value feature is corrected and approximated to a first chromaticity value feature, a new limit value for an ink amount is determined based on the second chromaticity value feature after the approximation, optimization is performed by designating an ink amount which is equal to or less than the newly determined limit value when an ink amount reproducing a hue value represented by a lattice point is determined by the optimization of the ink amount with the use of an object function for evaluating image quality when the designated amount of ink is made to adhere to a first print medium, the ink amount determined by the optimization is converted with a conversion relationship based on the first chromaticity value feature and the second value chromaticity feature.
US08634114B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method and image scanning apparatus
An image processing apparatus including: a determining unit that performs determination so as to determine a color mode of a target image in a color mode order, in a page unit; and a subtracting unit that calculates a subtraction total number of pixels, wherein, the determining unit performs the determination of a first color mode in the color mode order based on a pixel ratio of a number of pixels of the first color mode in the color mode order to a total number of pixels, and the determining unit performs the determination of the second or subsequent color mode in the color mode order based on a pixel ratio of a number of pixels of the second or subsequent color mode in the color mode order to the subtraction total number of pixels calculated by the subtracting unit.
US08634109B2 Image forming apparatus, and control method and control program thereof
An image forming apparatus has an image carrier carrying an electrostatic latent image, a charging unit charging the surface of the image carrier, an exposure unit forming an electrostatic latent image by irradiating light onto the charged surface of the image carrier, a developing unit developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image carrier using a developing material, and a transfer unit transferring a developer image onto a printing material. The apparatus has also an image correction unit correcting image data inputted to the exposure unit so as to compensate for deformation in the developer image originating in a form of the exposure unit, and a smoothing processing unit carrying out smoothing of an image by controlling the exposure unit so that dots of a size smaller than one pixel are filled with respect to a white image region of the corrected image data.
US08634108B2 Method and apparatus for inspecting image, image forming apparatus, and computer-readable recording medium storing image inspecting program
An image inspecting apparatus includes a first light illuminating unit that irradiates a measured object on which an image is formed with illuminating light from a diagonal direction; an imaging unit that receives specular light of the illuminating light with which the measured object is irradiated by the first light illuminating unit; and an image inspecting unit that inspects the image. The image inspecting unit generates gloss reference data from density distribution data included in print data used for forming the image by using a converting unit. The image inspecting unit inspects a gloss distribution of the image by using the gloss reference data and a gloss distribution of the image that is generated based on an amount of the specular light received by the imaging unit.
US08634104B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
Image data is divided into blocks each of a 2×2 pixel size, and color-reduction processing is performed for the target block based on color data and attribute data of respective pixels forming the target block. A pattern flag indicating the layout pattern of color data contained in the target block is specified by comparing the color data of the respective pixels in the target block having undergone the color-reduction processing. Color data corresponding to a pixel at a position defined in advance in the block having undergone the color-reduction processing is extracted as color data of the first color. When it is determined that the number of colors in the block is one of two to four, color data of the second to fourth colors are extracted. The pattern flag, the color data of the first color of the block, and those of the second to fourth colors of the block are output.
US08634097B2 Medium processing apparatus and controlling method of the same
A receiver configured to receive a first command that contains a predetermined code string and a second command that does not contain the predetermined code string from a host computer. A first command analyzer configured to analyze and process only the first command received by the receiver. A buffer configured to temporarily store at least the second command received by the receiver. A second command analyzer configured to analyze and process the second command stored by the buffer. A sound generator configured to generate a sound when the first command analyzer analyzes the first command and determines that the first command includes a sound generating command. The first command analyzer analyzes the first command before the buffer temporarily stores the first command.
US08634096B2 Apparatus, system, method, and medium for data control which enable power saving based on power-on information
A data control apparatus, which is connected to a plurality of information processing apparatus and controls information, relating to an image forming apparatus, transmitted from the information processing apparatus, the data control apparatus including: a communication section to receive power-on information, transmitted from the information processing section, for making the image forming apparatus into a power-on state, and identification information indicating a user who uses the information processing apparatus having transmitted the power-on information or the information processing apparatus having transmitted the power-on information; and a control section to control a number of power-on times of the image forming apparatus based on the power-on information and the identification information, received by the communication section.
US08634093B2 Image processing apparatus capable of recording user information into external recording medium, and control method and recording medium therefor
An image processing apparatus capable of recording user information into an external recording medium, while preventing an occurrence of a security problem. The image processing apparatus generates user information about an image processing job, and determines according to predetermined recording medium categories whether security information can be stored into an external recording medium in a case where the user information is recorded into the external recording medium. When determining that the security information cannot be stored into the external recording medium, the image processing apparatus removes predetermined security information from the user information and records the resultant information into the external recording medium.
US08634091B2 Image processing system, image processing method, storage medium, and image forming apparatus and external apparatus constituting image processing system
An image forming apparatus capable of being connected to an external apparatus through a network performs setting of processing to be executed in the image forming apparatus, receives from the external apparatus a web page for setting processing to be executed in the external apparatus, and displays the web page. Subsequently, the image forming apparatus transmits to the external apparatus an input value input by a user through the displayed web page, and receives an identifier associated with the input value from the external apparatus. The image forming apparatus transmits to the external apparatus the identifier and data to be executed in the processing in the external apparatus, and forms an image of data processed by the external apparatus according to the input value and processed by the image forming apparatus according to the setting.
US08634090B2 Data transfer apparatus, data transmitting and receiving apparatus, and image forming apparatus
A data transfer apparatus includes a transmitting unit, a transmission controlling unit, and a generating unit. The transmitting unit transmits transmit data over a transmission channel having a plurality of lines, such that the transmit data are assigned to the plurality of lines by information unit of the transmit data, the information unit. The transmission controlling unit appends control data to transfer data to be transferred to a receiving side to compose the transmit data, the control data being for controlling transmission and reception of the transfer data. The generating unit obtains information about the number of the lines. The generating unit determines, based on the number of the lines and the number of information units of the control data, the number of information units of the transfer data that makes the number of information units of the transmit data integral multiple of the number of the lines.
US08634086B2 Tandem printing system and method to control a tandem printing system, and computer system, and computer program product
In a printing system or method a first printing apparatus and a second printing apparatus are respectively selectively operable in simplex mode and duplex mode. Each of the printing apparatuses in simplex mode process print jobs independently of the respective other printing apparatus, and in duplex mode processing print jobs jointly by both of the printing apparatuses. The printing apparatuses are connected with one another for control at least in duplex mode. An activation operating unit is provided via which at least one of the two printing apparatuses is selectively activated for the simplex mode or both of the printing apparatuses are selectively activated for the duplex mode.
US08634083B2 Original document size detection device
An original document size detection device of the present invention is characterized by comprising a document reading table, a light source which irradiates an original document placed on the document reading table, a cover body which covers the original document, a light detection unit which detects a reflected light that a light from the light source is reflected by the original document and an external light that enters the surface of the document reading table when the cover body is lifted, a masking unit which masks an output signal based on the external light in the output signal of the light detection unit based on the reflected light and the external light, and a determination unit which determines a size of the original document in a main scanning direction based on the output signal of the light detection unit that is masked by the masking unit.
US08634080B2 Method for determining an active dopant concentration profile
A method for determining an active dopant concentration profile of a semiconductor substrate based on optical measurements is disclosed. The active dopant concentration profile includes a concentration level and a junction depth. In one aspect, the method includes obtaining a photomodulated optical reflectance (PMOR) amplitude offset curve and a PMOR phase offset curve for the semiconductor substrate based on PMOR measurements, determining a decay length parameter based on a first derivative of the amplitude offset curve, determining a wavelength parameter based on a first derivative of the phase offset curve, and determining, from the decay length parameter and the wavelength parameter, the concentration level and the junction depth of the active dopant concentration profile.
US08634079B2 Attraction state inspection device, surface mounting apparatus, and part test device
An attraction state inspection device includes a diffusion member that is disposed inside a nozzle group in which a plurality of nozzles that attract parts are disposed, and transmits incident light while diffusing the light, an image pickup is disposed on a side of the nozzle group apart from the diffusion member in a first direction, picks up an image of a part attracted by one nozzle positioned in the first direction with respect to the diffusion member, from among the plurality of nozzles, against a background of the diffusion member, and obtains an image of the part, an irradiation unit that is disposed opposite the image pickup unit with the diffusion member interposed therebetween, and radiates light toward the nozzle group, and an inspection unit that inspects an attraction state of the part on the basis of the image of the picked up part.
US08634077B2 Methods and systems for optically characterizing a turbid material using a structured incident beam
Methods and systems for optically characterizing a turbid sample are provided. A structured light beam is impinged on the sample. The sample includes an embedded region. A reflected light image of the structured light beam is detected from the sample. A measured reflectance image of the structured light beam for the sample is determined based on the reflected light image and a reflectance standard. The following parameters are determined: absorption coefficients ÿa, scattering coefficient ÿs and anisotropy factor g of the sample from the reflectance image. A size parameter of the embedded region is estimated based on the absorption coefficients ÿa, scattering coefficient ÿs and/or anisotropy factor g of the sample from the measured reflectance image.
US08634075B2 Scanning analyzer for single molecule detection and methods of use
The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single molecule analyzer, methods of using the analyzer and analyzer systems to analyze samples, either for single molecules or for molecular complexes. The single molecule uses electromagnetic radiation that is translated through the sample to detect the presence or absence of a single molecule. The single molecule analyzer provided herein is useful for diagnostics because the analyzer detects single molecules with zero carryover between samples.
US08634071B2 System and method of closed carton inspection
An inspection of a closed carton for acceptable content fill may be provided by a transmitting unit and a receiving unit measuring intensity values of electromagnetic waves directed at the carton. A comparison of a reference intensity value to a measured intensity value may indicate whether the closed carton is filled correctly identifying missing contents such as the main product or a missing leaflet that may contain product instructions.
US08634067B2 Method and apparatus for detecting microscopic objects
Apparatus including a broadband illumination source and a confocal optical system. The confocal optical system is configured and arranged to receive a portion of light projected onto an object by the broadband illumination source. The apparatus can include an illumination source, a confocal optical system, and at least one detector configured and arranged to receive angularly separated light corresponding to a confocal volume. There is also provided a light scattering spectroscopic device including a broadband illumination source, a two-dimensional detector, and a spectral separation device configured and arranged to receive scattered light from an object and to direct at least a portion of the scattered light onto the two-dimensional detector. The method and apparatus can combine confocal microscopy techniques with light scattering spectroscopy techniques to create a confocal light scattering spectroscopy (CLSS) system.
US08634066B1 Authentication method and system
A method for authenticating an object, comprising determining a physical dispersion pattern of a set of elements, determining a physical characteristic of the set of elements which is distinct from a physical characteristic producible by a transfer printing technology, determining a digital code associated with the object defining the physical dispersion pattern, and authenticating the object by verifying a correspondence of the digital code with the physical dispersion pattern, and verifying the physical characteristic.
US08634064B2 Optical system for increasing illumination efficiency of a patterning device by producing a plurality of beams
A lithography system can include a radiation source, an illumination system, a patterning device, and a projection system. The illumination system can be configured to process a beam of radiation to produce a plurality of beams of radiation. The illumination system can include a pupil defining element, a condenser lens, a field defining element, a first relay that includes first and second lens arrays, a plurality of rods, a diaphragm having transmission areas, and a second relay. The patterning device can be configured to pattern the plurality of beams of radiation. Further, the projection system can be configured to project the patterned beams onto a substrate.
US08634063B2 Wafer with design printed outside active region and spaced by design tolerance of reticle blind
A printed wafer. A design is printed within a peripheral portion of the wafer. The peripheral portion of the wafer is between an outer boundary of an active portion of the wafer and an outer boundary of the wafer. The design may be a copy of a portion of a pattern that exists on a reticle of an exposure apparatus. The pattern may includes pattern elements such that adjacent pattern elements are separated by a spacing of about a sum of a first design tolerance (based on how accurately a reticle blind can be positioned within the exposure apparatus) and a second design tolerance (based on how sharply an edge of the reticle blind can be focused on the wafer by a lens). The design may visible to a naked eye unaided with no portion of the printed design within the active portion of the wafer.
US08634058B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
An immersion lithographic apparatus is provided in which a maximum permissible velocity of the substrate relative to a fluid confinement structure that controls the immersion fluid is determined based on a property of the substrate to be exposed and, during the exposure process, the velocity of the substrate relative to the fluid confinement structure is limited to be below this maximum permissible velocity.
US08634055B2 Apparatus and method to control vacuum at porous material using multiple porous materials
An immersion liquid confinement apparatus recovers an immersion liquid from an immersion area that includes a gap between a projection system and an object of exposure in an immersion lithography system. The apparatus includes a confinement member that includes an outlet and an aperture through which a patterned image is projected onto the object. A first liquid-permeable member covers the outlet and has a first surface that faces the object and a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface contacting a first chamber. A second liquid-permeable member has first and second oppositely-facing surfaces, the first surface of the second liquid-permeable member contacts the first chamber, the second surface of the second liquid-permeable member contacts a second chamber that is different from the first chamber. A hydrophobic porous member is provided between the first chamber and a vacuum system that supplies a low pressure to the first chamber.
US08634054B2 Particle detection on an object surface
Systems and methods are provided for inspecting an object surface. An illumination source illuminates the object surface. An optic intercepts scattered light from the illuminated object surface and projects a real image of an area of the object surface. A sensor receives the projected real image. A computer system, coupled to the sensor, stores and analyzes the real image. The real image is processed to detect particles located on the object surface. This arrangement is particularly useful for detecting contaminants or defects on a reticle of a lithography device.
US08634053B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A liquid confinement system for use in immersion lithography is disclosed in which the meniscus of liquid between the liquid confinement system and the substrate is pinned substantially in place by a meniscus pinning feature. The meniscus pinning feature comprises a plurality of discrete outlets arranged in a polygonal shape.
US08634052B2 Lithographic apparatus and method involving a ring to cover a gap between a substrate and a substrate table
A lithographic apparatus that includes a substrate table holding a substrate, a projection system configured to project a patterned beam of radiation onto the substrate, a liquid supply system configured to provide a liquid to a space between the projection system and the substrate table, and a ring located such that it covers a gap between the substrate and the substrate table, the ring being in contact with the substrate and with the substrate table.
US08634047B2 Liquid crystal display device and electronic apparatus
A liquid crystal display device includes a device substrate that includes a pixel electrode, a counter substrate that is formed opposite the device substrate and that includes a counter electrode, a liquid crystal layer that is formed between the device substrate and the counter substrate, a first alignment layer that is formed on a side of the device substrate which is closer to the liquid crystal layer, and a second alignment layer that is formed on a side of the counter substrate which is closer to the liquid crystal layer. The pixel electrode is made of a material having a work function smaller than that of a material for the counter electrode. The first alignment layer has substantially the same density as that of the second alignment layer, and the thickness d1 of the first alignment layer is greater than the thickness d2 of the second alignment layer.
US08634046B2 Optical element having an alignment layer for an optical anisotropic body
An optical element having an alignment layer for an optical anisotropic body, in which the generation of damages in the alignment layer is effectively prevented by providing an optical element having an alignment layer for an optical anisotropic body, wherein a stress releasing layer is formed as an underlying layer for the alignment layer.
US08634045B2 Liquid crystal panel substrate with light-shielding film in a pixel region, liquid crystal panel, and electronic equipment and projection type display device both using the same to reduce light leakage
A reflective-electrode-side substrate of a reflective-type liquid crystal panel substrate has a pixel region including a pixel electrode, reflecting part, a light shielding film, and a switching element. A periphery region in the periphery of the pixel region outside of the pixel region includes a driving circuit that includes at least one switching element, and a wiring layer that is electrically connected to the at least one switching element. The switching elements may consist of transistors. This configuration can reduce the amount of light leaking through spaces between pixel electrodes and prevent adverse effects on image quality.
US08634044B2 Display device and manufacturing method thereof
In a semi-transmission liquid crystal display device, two resist masks are required to form a reflective electrode and a transparent electrode; therefore, cost is high. A transparent electrode and a reflective electrode which function as a pixel electrode are stacked. A resist pattern which includes a region having a thick film thickness and a region having a thinner film thickness than the aforementioned region is formed over the reflective electrode by using a light exposure mask which includes a semi-transmission portion. The reflective electrode and the transparent electrode are formed by using the resist pattern. Therefore, the reflective electrode and the transparent electrode can be formed by using one resist mask.
US08634041B2 Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method of liquid crystal display device
To sophisticate a portable electronic appliance without hindering reduction of the weight and the size, more specifically, to sophisticate a liquid crystal display apparatus installed in a portable electronic appliance without hindering the mechanical strength, a liquid crystal display apparatus includes a first plastic substrate, a light-emitting device which is disposed over the first plastic substrate, resin which covers the light-emitting device, an insulating film which is in contact with the resin, a semiconductor device which is in contact with the insulating film, a liquid crystal cell which is electrically connected to the semiconductor device, and a second plastic substrate, wherein the semiconductor device and the liquid crystal cell are disposed between the first plastic substrate and the second plastic substrate.
US08634034B2 Stereoscopic image display and alignment method thereof
A stereoscopic image display device includes a display panel; a plurality of display alignment marks disposed along a first edge and a second edge of the display panel, respectively, the first edge being opposite to the second edge, wherein two of the plurality of display alignment marks are disposed at a midpoint along opposite side edges of the display panel; a 3D filter disposed in planar relation to the display panel; and a plurality of filter alignment indicia portions disposed on the 3D filter.
US08634028B2 Method and apparatus for DC restoration using feedback
A feedback circuit for restoration of DC in electrical signals is presented. A sample pulse representing a DC portion of an electrical signal is generated. The sample pulse triggers a sample and hold circuit to acquire the correct offset voltage in the electrical signal during this DC portion. The offset voltage feeds back through a summing node to the electrical signal thereby restoring the video signal to the desired DC voltage level with respect to ground.
US08634022B2 Portable telephone equipped with camera
The present invention provides a portable telephone with camera having a camera 7 mounted as opposed to a camera window 22 provided on a casing. The casing is provided with an auxiliary light window 23 adjacent to the camera window 22. Arranged in the rear of the auxiliary light window 23 is an auxiliary light source 8 for emitting light in photographing with the camera 7. The camera window 22 is covered with a main optical cover 4. The auxiliary light window 23 is covered with an auxiliary optical cover 5. A light-shield surface 52 is formed between the main optical cover 4 and the auxiliary optical cover 5. Consequently the degradation of picture quality when the camera 7 and the auxiliary light source 8 are arranged close to each other is prevented.
US08634020B2 Structured light projection and acquisition
A structured light pattern is projected onto a scene using pulses of light emitted by light emitting diodes (LEDs) of the projector, wherein during the pulses of the LEDs, the LEDs are driven at an overdrive current when the LEDS are ON. A sensor of a camera only integrates light from the scene during the pulses to acquire images of the scene.
US08634019B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes a distribution detection unit configured to detect whether a luminance distribution on the screen changes to a hill-shaped form, based on a result of adding photometric values of each of divided photometry areas by rows and by columns, a difference calculation unit configured to calculate a luminance value difference between one portion of the screen and the peripheral portion thereof, a ratio calculating unit configured to calculate a ratio of pixels having a luminance value higher than or equal to a threshold value in the one portion, and a spotlight determination unit configured to determine whether a scene of the captured image is a spotlight scene according to a detection result of the distribution detection unit, calculation result of the difference calculation unit, and a calculation result of the ratio calculation unit.
US08634018B2 Image pickup apparatus and control method thereof
An exemplary aspect of the invention is an image pickup apparatus including a sensor unit including a plurality of pixels; an exposure control unit that controls exposure by a feedback control based on image data acquired by the sensor unit; and a display unit that displays an image having undergone exposure control. During a time period from a point immediately after activation of the image pickup apparatus until a point when an image is displayed on the display unit, the sensor unit executes temporary loading of a part of the image data, and the exposure control unit sets an optimum exposure value based on the image data temporarily loaded.
US08634016B2 Imaging device and main photographic subject recognition method
When a contrast-system multipoint ranging is performed to detect a main photographic subject in a screen based on a ranging result, a focus area is set at a screen center to perform continuous AF. When focusing is attained or almost attained in the continuous AF, the multipoint ranging is executed, and the main photographic subject in the screen is detected based on the ranging result. In this way, change in an angle of view can be prevented, and the main photographic subject can be accurately recognized.
US08634015B2 Image capturing apparatus and method and program for controlling same
An image capturing apparatus includes an image sensor provided in the neighborhood of an image plane of a photographing optical system for forming the image of a subject; pupil dividing member for forming images of a pair of light beams that have passed through different pupil regions of the photographing optical system; focus detection sensors arranged two-dimensionally for photoelectrically converting images of the pupil dividing member; and a correlation calculation unit which, in order to obtain one focus measurement value from one pair of two-dimensional images generated by the focus detection sensors and extending in the pupil dividing direction of the pupil dividing member and in a direction perpendicular to the pupil dividing direction, calculates the correlation between the pair of two-dimensional images while shifting the pair of two-dimensional images in the pupil dividing direction.
US08634014B2 Imaging device analysis systems and imaging device analysis methods
Imaging device analysis systems and imaging device analysis methods are described. According to one embodiment, an imaging device analysis system includes a light source configured to output light for use in analyzing at least one imaging component of an imaging device, wherein the imaging device is configured to generate images responsive to received light, and processing circuitry coupled with the light source and configured to control the light source to optically communicate the light to the imaging device, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to access image data generated by the imaging device responsive to the reception, by the imaging device, of the light from the light source and to process the image data to analyze an operational status of the at least one imaging component.
US08634012B2 Solid-state image pickup device and method of driving the same
Provided is a solid-state image pickup device that includes: a pixel portion having a plurality of pixels that are arranged in a two-dimensional array and generate pixel signals; a readout row counter that generates row addresses for reading the pixel portion; a first reset row counter that generates a row address for resetting a first field of the pixel portion; a second reset row counter that generates a row address for resetting a second field of the pixel portion; a selector that selects one of the row addresses generated by the readout row counter, the first reset row counter, and the second reset row counter; and pixel driving units that respectively select two rows: an odd-numbered row and a neighboring even-numbered row of the pixel portion corresponding to the selected row address.
US08634006B2 Image sensor and a configuration for improved skew time
A method of providing a signal to a plurality of signal destinations configured in a planar array, the method comprising: electrically connecting all the signal destinations with at least one conducting element; and providing the signal substantially simultaneously to signal destinations substantially along the perimeter of the planar array and along diagonals of a rectangle.
US08634005B2 Very small pixel pitch focal plane array and method for manufacturing thereof
A method for manufacturing an imaging device is provided. The method comprises forming a contact pad over a semiconductor substrate. The contact pad has a malleable metal. The method further comprises providing a readout circuit having a first side and a contact plug. The contact plug has a base affixed to the first side of the readout circuit and a plurality of prongs extending from the base away from the first side. The first side of the readout circuit is moved towards the substrate so that the prongs of the contact plug are pressed into the pad and displace a portion of the pad into a space defined by and between a first and a second of the prongs. Stop elements formed over the substrate are aligned with and contact stop elements provided on the readout circuit so that the prongs are inhibited from passing completely through the contact pad.
US08634002B2 Image processing device and method for image correction
An image processing device includes an input unit which inputs image data that is generated by an imaging element including specific pixels, first image generation pixels that are the image generation pixels adjacent to the specific pixels, and second image generation pixels that are the image generation pixels not adjacent to the specific pixels, and includes a luminance value generated by each of the pixels, and a color mixture correction unit which corrects color mixture such that a change value of luminance caused by light leaked from the specific pixels to the first image generation pixels is calculated based on luminance values of each of specific pixels adjacent to the first image generation pixels and correction of color mixture to the first image generation pixels caused by the leaked light is performed.
US08633999B2 Methods and apparatuses for foreground, top-of-the-head separation from background
Foreground and background regions of a digital image of a scene are distinguished from each other automatically. Foreground objects are identified in a binary image map that distinguishes between foreground pixels and background pixels. From the foreground objects, a primary foreground object is identified. Within the identified primary foreground object, a head region of the primary foreground object is located. Within the head region, patterns of foreground pixels and background pixels that are indicative of a head crown region are identified. Within the head crown region, pixels identified as background pixels that actually show portions of the primary foreground object are converted to foreground pixels, thus improving the accuracy of the binary image map.
US08633997B2 Block-based variational image processing method
Block-based variational image processing provides improved image processing by utilizing portions of an image rather than the entire image. The image is divided into multiple smaller portions, and then iterations to determine a partial differential equation for an image processing application are performed on the smaller portions. After performing the iterations on a portion, the resulting information is able to be stored in an external memory. This results in a much lower bandwidth requirement for the data, enabling the method to be performed in hardware. Additionally, the block-based variational image processing utilizes only a small number of neighboring pixels for each iteration.
US08633996B2 Image sensor having nonlinear response
In previously known imaging devices as in still and motion cameras, for example, image sensor signal response typically is linear as a function of intensity of incident light. Desirably, however, akin to the response of the human eye, response is sought to be nonlinear and, more particularly, essentially logarithmic. Preferred nonlinearity is realized in image sensor devices of the invention upon severely limiting the number of pixel states, combined with clustering of pixels into what may be termed as super-pixels.
US08633991B2 Image stabilization of compact imaging device
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an imaging device having a small form factor.
US08633990B2 Imaging apparatus, method of controlling the same, and program
An imaging apparatus includes a communication unit that executes data communication with a predetermined number of external devices, a search unit that searches for external devices that can executes data communication with the imaging apparatus, and a determination unit that, if the search unit finds a number of external devices that is greater than the predetermined number, determines with which of the external devices communication is to be activated. The determining unit is configured to, in case that the imaging unit executes an imaging process, preferentially activate communication with external devices that are used in the imaging process.
US08633986B1 Methods and systems for acquiring specifications for remotely controlling electronics
A computer-implemented method of controlling electronics is performed at an apparatus that includes one or more processors, a camera, and a transmitter. In the method, the camera acquires a first image of one or more electronic devices configured for remote control. A database is queried for information regarding the one or more electronic devices, based on the first image. In response to querying the database, the information regarding the one or more electronic devices is received. This information includes specifications for communicating with the one or more electronic devices. User input is received corresponding to a command for a respective electronic device of the one or more electronic devices. In response to the user input, an instruction corresponding to the command is transmitted to the respective electronic device via a signal generated by the transmitter in accordance with the specifications for communicating with the respective electronic device.
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